An Indian-origin couple who poured more than $100,000 of their life savings into opening their dream café in Melbourne have been left devastated after a suspected arson attack targeting a neighbouring tobacco shop destroyed their business.

Ashish Sharma and Manali Purohit had opened their vegan café, And Bodega, in Fitzroy North in July 2026 after spending five months renovating the premises, sourcing second-hand furniture and completing much of the work themselves.

Barely three months later, their dream was shattered when a firebombing at the neighbouring tobacconist triggered explosions and caused extensive damage to the café and other nearby businesses.

As per 7News, the attack occurred at about 3.45am on Monday, 12 October, on St Georges Road. Investigators believe one or more offenders forced entry into the tobacco shop and deliberately set it alight.

It is reported that no arrests had been reported in the initial coverage of the incident. Police have said there was nothing to suggest the targeted tobacconist was selling illicit tobacco.

For the couple, the destruction has meant not only losing their newly established business but also facing an uncertain future after investing their savings and months of hard work into creating a place for the local community.

“We put in basically all our life savings. We did a lot of it DIY,” Sharma told The Guardian.

He described the aftermath as resembling a war zone, with soot covering the premises, the roof damaged and the floor strewn with debris.

“There were these little canisters strewn all across our premise,” Sharma told AAP, describing the force of the explosions.

Purohit, a Mumbai-raised pastry chef, and Sharma had hoped their plant-based café would become a welcoming neighbourhood destination.

When a new business moved in next door, they initially believed it would be a grocery store that complemented their café. Their concerns grew when they realised it might instead be a tobacco shop.

The couple said customers had also expressed fears about the possibility of arson attacks, amid a wider wave of firebombings targeting tobacconists across Victoria.

In late September, Purohit noticed broken glass at the neighbouring shop and a handwritten note on its wall. The tobacconist’s windows were reportedly smashed again shortly before the October attack.

The fire destroyed the tobacco shop and severely damaged And Bodega and another café. The incident illustrates how businesses with no established connection to the tobacco trade can suffer devastating consequences when violence targets neighbouring premises.

The couple faced an estimated damage bill exceeding $100,000, according to AAP’s report. Their contents insurance is expected to provide a payout of about $25,000, but they have said the money will not be enough to restore what they built.

The situation worsened when about $5,000 worth of equipment and technology was reportedly stolen from the damaged café the following day.

Rather than abandon their business, Sharma and Purohit are exploring the possibility of reopening And Bodega on a smaller scale, potentially through a takeaway window serving coffee and baked goods.

They have launched a fundraising campaign to help replace damaged or stolen equipment, meet outstanding staff and supplier commitments and work towards finding a new premises.

The couple have also received support from local residents and other small businesses, including offers to organise fundraisers and contribute to their recovery.

“The only reason we’re positive is because of the people,” Sharma told AAP, describing the community’s response as overwhelming.

Their café opened in July after months of hands-on work and a substantial investment of personal savings. Now, they hope community support will help them find a smaller space and give And Bodega another chance.

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