One of Melbourne’s last Greek cafes has closed its doors after 60 years after its popular longtime owner announced his retirement.
International Cakes on Lonsdale St in the city’s CBD, which has been a cornerstone of the local Greek community since the 1960s, served its end customer on Monday evening.
Owner Bill Batzogiannis, 75, announced the closure last week in an emotional note taped to the store’s front door.
“We have cherished the relationships we have built with all of our loyal customers and are sincerely grateful for your continued support over the years,” it said.
‘Your trust and loyalty in our brand have been the driving force behind our successes and we are very grateful.
“It was an honor to serve you and be a part of your lives.”
The cafe was the last remnant of Melbourne’s Greek Quarter after dozens of Greek-owned businesses moved when the precinct was gentrified in the 1990s.
It leaves generations of Aussies with memories of the cafe’s pies, cakes, baklava and friendly customer service.
International Cakes, one of Melbourne’s last Greek cafes (pictured), closed its doors for the final time on Monday, prompting tributes from heartbroken customers who have been going there for generations
Mr. Batzogiannis admitted that he first considered quitting five years ago.
But he had a change of heart and decided to press ahead in the interests of the community in the wake of the Covid pandemic, which resulted in six lockdowns in Melbourne in Melbourne.
“This city has suffered so much (during the lockdown) that I had to keep going,” he told the newspaper Herald Sun.
‘I’m doing well, I wanted to stop working. It’s time to retire.’
Mr Batzogiannis emigrated to Australia in the 1960s and became a legend among locals who were heartbroken when they heard International Cakes was closing.
“Since they found out we were closing, they’ve been coming to buy all our pies,” he said.
‘They grew up here… the many thousands of customers who ordered cakes, I have had the sweetest customers.’
The popular cafe (pictured) was the last remnant of Melbourne’s Greek Quarter
Bill Batzogiannis says now is the time to shut up
Social media has been flooded with heartfelt tributes to Mr Batzogiannis and International Cakes, with many sharing fond memories of the cafe.
“All the best Bill, you have always been a gentleman and friend, enjoy your retirement,” one customer wrote.
Another added: ‘I used to come here with my family when I was 10-11. Good memories of great times, sad to see it go.
A third commented: ‘Thank you International Cakes for so many wonderful memories over the years.’
‘It has been my Greek refuge when visiting the city in recent years.’
Other customers said the cafe brought back memories of “gorgeous birthday cakes and weekend visits”, as they greeted Mr Batzogiannis as a “gentleman with a heart of gold”.
‘Another one bites the dust. Sad to see an iconic place disappear. Devastating actually,” wrote another.