The Greek family owners of two Greek restaurants in Canberra, Australia have taken to Facebook saying they’re devastated after fires, believed to be an arson attack ripped through their ‘Olive’ restaurants in both Mawson and Hawker on Wednesday morning.
“A fire has broken out and gutted our restaurant in the early hours. Everyone is safe but we are absolutely devastated. We will be closed until further notice and apologise for any inconvenience,” said the Facebook post about the Mawson restaurant, which is completely destroyed.
Fire completely destroyed the family-owned Olive at Mawson at Southlands Shopping Centre while the other Olive eatery at Hawker is reported to have about $100,000 damage.
Fire and Rescue had responded to emergency calls from the Mawson fire about 12.45am and took a couple of hours to bring the rapidly developing blaze belching hazardous smoke under control and prevent it spreading to nearby businesses.
Today, the owners stated:
“Olive at Mawson would like to thank the public for their massive outpouring of support during this difficult time.
We’d like to extend our appreciation to the ACT Fire Brigade and ACT Policing and offer our deepest sympathy to the team from Just Clowning Around.
We’d also like to apologise to the surrounding business who could not trade as normal due to the cordoned off area.
To our wonderful customers who had made bookings, christenings, birthdays and so on we are deeply sorry for the inconvenience this has caused. We’re truly sorry and do hope you can still support us when we reopen.
To our amazing staff, you will be looked after as you are family and that’s what family’s do. We love you all and are here for you too.
Please be mindful of your comments made during this difficult time, As this matter is now being handled and investigated by ACT Policing no further comments will be made in relation to the fire." Greek family devastated by fires that burnt down their ‘Olive’ restaurants in Canberra
Olive at Mawson had been open about six years while the Hawker restaurant had been going for more than two years.
