One of Melbourne’s last Greek cafes closed its doors after six decades when its popular owner announced his retirement.
International Cakes on Lonsdale St in the city’s central business district, which has been a cornerstone of the local Greek community since the 1960s, served its final customer on Monday evening.
Owner Bill Batzogiannis, 75, announced the closing in an emotional note posted on the store’s front door last week.
“We appreciate the relationships we have built with each and every one of our loyal customers and are sincerely grateful for their continued support over the years,” it said.
‘Their trust and loyalty in our brand has been a driving force behind our success and we are deeply grateful.
“It has been an honor to serve you and be a part of your lives.”
The cafe was the last vestige of Melbourne’s Greektown after dozens of Greek-owned businesses moved in as the district gentrified in the 1990s.
Leave behind generations of Australians with memories of the cafe’s cakes, pastries, baklava and friendly customer service.
One of Melbourne’s last Greek cafes, International Cakes (pictured), closed its doors for the final time on Monday, prompting tributes from heartbroken customers who have been going there for generations.
Batzogiannis admitted that the first time he thought about closing the business was five years ago.
But he changed his mind and decided to continue for the good of the community in the wake of the Covid pandemic, which resulted in six closures in Melbourne.
“This city suffered so much (during the lockdown) that I had to move on,” he told Herald of the sun.
‘I’m fine, I wanted to stop working. It’s time to retire.’
Batzogiannis emigrated to Australia in the 1960s and became a legend among locals, who were heartbroken to learn of the closure of International Cakes.
“Ever since they found out we closed, they came and bought all of our pies,” she said.
“They’ve grown up here… of the thousands of customers who have ordered cakes, I’ve had the sweetest customers.”
The popular cafe (pictured) was the last vestige of Melbourne’s Greek Quarter.
Bill Batzogiannis says it’s time to close up shop
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 a friend, enjoy your retirement,” one customer wrote.
Another added: ‘I used to come here with my family when I was 10 or 11. Good memories of incredible times, sad to see him go.
A third commented: “Thank you to International Cakes for so many wonderful memories over the years.”
“It was my Greek paradise when I visited the city in recent years.”
Other customers said the cafe brought back memories of “wonderful birthday cakes and weekend visits”, while greeting Mr Batzogiannis as a “gentleman with a heart of gold”.
‘Another one bites the dust. It’s sad to see an iconic place disappear. Truly devastating,” wrote another.