Ashish Sharma and Manali Purohit’s vegan cafe, And Bodega, in Melbourne’s Fitzroy North, suffered extensive damage in an early morning fire on October 12, which police suspect was deliberately set. The blaze originated in a neighbouring tobacco shop that had opened only weeks earlier and was completely destroyed in the incident. The fire caused collateral damage to And Bodega and several nearby businesses.

The couple had opened And Bodega in July, after months of renovating the space themselves and investing their life savings to create their café, inspired by New York’s neighborhood convenience stores. Within three months of launch, the business was severely affected by the fire, which emergency services responded to around 3:40 a.m. Police believe one or more individuals forced entry into the tobacco shop before setting it ablaze. Neighbours reported feeling the blast from the explosion, which also damaged surrounding properties.

Following the fire, the café was further targeted when approximately $5,000 worth of technology and equipment was stolen from the damaged premises. Sharma described the scene as resembling “a warzone,” with significant structural and soot damage, including the roof melting off. The couple have since launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds to repair the café, replace equipment, cover outstanding staff wages, and consider relocating And Bodega.

Sharma and Purohit have received significant community support since the incident. Local businesses have offered to donate portions of their profits, host fundraisers, and provide supplies such as ice cream. Purohit, a trained pastry chef originally from Mumbai, said the couple felt overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and assistance. A police officer involved in the investigation noted strong local interest in the café’s plight, with many residents expressing sadness over the damage.

This attack is part of a broader pattern of escalating firebombings targeting tobacco shops across Melbourne, with hundreds of incidents reported since late 2023. The fires have increasingly impacted adjacent businesses, leaving them vulnerable to insurance complications and financial strain. The couple's insurer anticipates a payout of about $25,000, which they say will not be sufficient to fully restore their café at its current location.

Last month, Victoria introduced new laws empowering inspectors to close stores selling illegal tobacco products. However, the Victorian Coalition has criticized the state government’s efforts as largely ineffective, promising to strengthen regulations and boost police presence if elected in the upcoming state election.

Despite the setback, Sharma and Purohit remain determined to reopen And Bodega, envisioning a smaller, hole-in-the-wall operation focused on baked goods and coffee. Sharma noted that reviving the café would be a small way to resist the ongoing violence impacting small businesses in their community.