“Devastating” closure for a landmark Melbourne café
Landmark Melbourne café Don Camillo, that has been serving customers for six decades, has shut its doors with the owner describing the decision as “devastating”.
Owner Sam Greco has operated the venue in Victoria St, West Melbourne, for the past 15 years.
“Without a word of a lie, it was the hardest decision and thing to do to date,” Mr Greco said.
“I must admit, I did shed tears as this was a place that I’d been coming to for the last 30 years and owned it for the 15 years of that time.
“It was such a unique place. A place where pretty much you could see or meet anyone from any walk of life. It was a place to be seen but most importantly a place where people called home.”
Mr Greco said it was hard enough to run a business, but the fact that rent was still due even though doors were shut made it that much harder.
“We have been governed by state premiers and health orders and unfortunately neither have really helped retain our businesses.”
The café opened in 1955 and the walls were adorned with sports photos and memorabilia, reflecting Greco’s love for sport and his time as one of Australia’s champion martial artists.
According to Greco, regular customers had been left extremely disappointed.
“Devastated to say the least. I had long time customers coming in literally crying. Unfortunately, it has taken a little bit of everyone’s soul since the closing,” he said.
Irit Jackson, 30th September 2021
