Melbourne's International Cakes Bids Farewell After 55 Years

After 55 years of serving delectable treats and fostering a sense of community, International Cakes on Lonsdale Street has closed its doors. The beloved bakery, a fixture in Melbourne's Greek precinct since 1973, served its last baklava and bid farewell to loyal customers.

Owner Bill Batzogioannis, who ran the family business with former partner Manolis Yovanoglou, expressed his bittersweet decision to retire. In a heartfelt online message, the team at International Cakes thanked their customers, saying:

"We have cherished the relationships we have built with each and every one of our loyal customers and are sincerely grateful for your continued support throughout the years. Your trust and loyalty in our brand has been a driving force behind our success and we are deeply appreciative. It has been an honour to serve you and be a part of your lives."

International Cakes was more than just a bakery; it was a community hub, particularly for Melbourne's Greek community. Batzogioannis reminisced with Greek publication Neos Kosmos about the early days,

"The Greeks, a lot of them still single then, lived around here. They were our daily customers, and they became our friends. They loved the shop and would walk in at all times. They seemed to gravitate here, because it was their shop … a place for Greeks."

While the surrounding neighborhood transformed over the years, with Greek businesses relocating, International Cakes remained a steadfast presence on Lonsdale Street. The decision to close was difficult, with Batzogioannis admitting to Neos Kosmos,

"It is with a heavy heart I’m leaving this place. I feel like I’m disappointing so many people."

The closing of International Cakes marks the end of an era for both Melbourne's culinary landscape and its Greek community. The bakery's legacy of delicious treats and warm hospitality will be fondly remembered by generations of Melburnians.