“We’re still grieving”: Co-owner of Bar38 speaks of heartbreak after losing popular business to an arson attack

Dion Bonifazio says he is still trying to move on after an arson attack completely destroyed the popular business.

A arson attack left the popular Bar38 on Greenhill Rd completely destroyed. Picture: GoFundMe

The former owner of a once popular and vibrant restaurant has shared a heartbreaking update, following the aftermath of an arson attack that completely destroyed their Glenside restaurant.

A deliberately lit fire ripped Bar 38 on Sunday August 30, formerly co-owned by Love Island winner Claudia Bonifazio’s brother Dion Bonifazio, alongside Lewis Goodridge and Nunzio Bonifazio.

Almost a month later, owner Dion Bonifazio, 27, says the former owners have been working hard to recover their financial losses and pay for any remaining expenses.

“We got the keys to the shop and we’ve seen what we have left over from the fire.

“Our pizza oven survived so it gives us a little hope of opening up something later down the track but at this stage, we’re definitely not opening.

“We just wouldn’t be able to afford it or start something up.”

Co-owner of Bar 38, Dion Bonifazio, 27, following a suspicious fire on Sunday that completely destroyed his business. Picture: Agnes Gichuhi

Love island winner, Claudia Bonifazio. Picture: Supplied

Mr Bonifazio says the co-owners have now found new employment, but they are still “grieving” the loss of their business.

“I’ve ventured into support work now which has been really good, really rewarding and my mental state is intact,” he said.

“We miss our friends from the bar so much (and) our customers.

“Losing the business has been very hard, draining (and) a lot of sleepless nights.

“Now that I’m back to work I’ve just kept myself very busy (so) I’ve been managing quite well, but it still really hurts and it affects me a lot.

“Knowing that I won’t be able to open up something like that for a very long time, if ever, it has been very difficult to comprehend.”

Mr Bonifazio said the former owners were incredibly grateful to those who had supported them throughout the unexpected ordeal.

Former Bar38 at 308 Greenhill Rd, Glenside SA. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

In a statement posted to social media on August 20, the business owners alerted diners that Bar38 had permanently closed.

“This has been a challenging time for all of us, as everything we’ve worked so hard for over the last 3.5 years has been lost in the fire,” they wrote.

“We’ve built some wonderful relationships along the way, and it’s truly saddening to see things end this way.

“We’re grateful that no one was hurt, and we want to apologise to our neighbours who had to experience this unfortunate incident.

“A big shout-out goes to our amazing staff who have stood by us through thick and thin.

“We’re fortunate to have such a strong sense of community, with family and friends stepping in to offer their help and support.

The owners of Bar38 have decided to close the business after an arson attack left it completely destroyed. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

The fire caused an estimated damage bill of $200,000. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

Despite the efforts of fire crews who tamed the blaze in about 50 minutes, business owners were left with an estimated damage bill of $200,000.

The inferno caused half of the venue’s ceiling to collapse, with glass light fixtures in other areas left dangling by the chord.

The seats and tables that were not completely melted or destroyed were covered in ashes, with fire debris including bottles, shelves and glass scattered across the premises.

To ease the financial burden, Dion Bonifazio’s sister, Claudia, started a GoFundMe fundraiser, setting the target $20,000 to cover incoming expenses such as rent.

As of Thursday, the now-disabled fundraiser raised $9,380.

“They’ve completely lost the business, there’s no funding for that at all,” Ms Bonifazio said earlier to The Advertiser.

Following investigations by SA police who initially deemed the fire as suspicious, three teenagers were charged with aggravated serious criminal trespass, illegal use and two counts of arson.

Mr Bonifazio says he had “absolutely no idea who it could be” or why anyone would target the premises.

Neither Mr Bonifazio nor his family and staff were accused of any wrongdoing.