A cafe owner in Melbourne’s inner city has shut down his business following an assault that left him feeling unsafe. Moustafa Saoud, who opened Eleven: 11 cafe just seven months ago, decided to turn off the lights for good after experiencing violence within his own establishment.
“I don’t feel it’s worth losing my life over,” Saoud expressed to 9News, highlighting the severity of his situation. He added that the perpetrator has already returned to the area twice, increasing his fear for personal safety.
Saoud’s brother and business partner, Alex Saoud, echoed his sentiments. They initially launched the cafe to create a positive environment for their family and the community. “We just wanted to run our business, bring joy to our family, and make the people around us happy. It’s not worth upsetting my parents or anyone else,” he stated, emphasising the importance of safety in their decision to close.
Local patrons lamented the closure, noting how much the cafe meant to the community. One customer praised Saoud’s coffee, calling it the best in Melbourne, and remarked on the cafe’s role as a community hub, stating, “Now there’s no place to gather.”
The situation has raised concerns among local residents, particularly with an abundance of vacant shops prevalent along Buckley Street. Locals fear that escalating violence may deter future businesses from establishing themselves in the area.
In response to community safety concerns, Victoria Police mentioned that they conduct daily patrols in Footscray to tackle drug issues and curb antisocial behaviour. However, community members feel the current climate is alarming. As one local voiced, “It really reflects how badly people are feeling here; they don’t feel safe. It’s just disgusting, it shouldn’t be happening.”
The closure of Eleven: 11 cafe serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by small business owners in urban areas, emphasising the need for improved safety measures to protect individuals and foster a thriving community environment.