Popular coffee shop in Adelaide’s southwestern suburbs targeted in arson attack

A sinister undertone has emerged after a popular coffee shop in the inner southwest was torched in a deliberate, targeted arson attack.

The owner of a popular Plympton Park coffee roaster and cafe says it “is the worst day of his life” after seeing his “baby” destroyed in a sinister suspicious blaze overnight.

Bray St Coffee Roaster owner Dan Horrell said he was feeling at his highest the night before the blaze as he was getting ready to celebrate the eight-year anniversary of his business this Saturday.

He said he was looking forward to promising to serve his customers free coffee all day on Saturday, only for his business to be torched in the targeted attack about 10.20pm.

Devastated owner Dan Horrell inside his burnt-out Plympton Park business Bray St Coffee Roasters. Picture: Dean Martin

Mr Horrell is comforted by his brother Nick, who had come down from Queensland to celebrate the 8th anniversary of the business on Saturday. Picture: Dean Martin

Mr Horrell received a phone call from police breaking the devastating news of the fire and informing him it was a deliberate, targeted attack.

“It was a devastating call to receive,” he said. “I was feeling like a little boy before Christmas night, so proud of how far we’ve come and then …”

“I had posted on my social media promising free coffee for everyone on Saturday and a few hours later my shop is burned down.”

Police are investigating a fire at Bray St Coffee Roasters in Plympton Park they say was deliberately lit. Picture: Supplied

The MFS has estimated the damage bill to be $35,000. Picture: Supplied

Mr Horrell said police had told him they believe it was a targeted attack and that they were currently reaching out to a few suspect individuals.

“Cops told me this was a deliberate attack,” he said. “They asked me who hated me.”

Mr Horrell told The Advertiser that he had a few people sending threatening messages to him on social media.

It is understood the wrongdoer was acting alone. Mr Horrell believes that the individual forced entry through the back door, poured petrol on the floor before lighting it up.

“Out of the blue someone has come through the back door and decided to pour petrol through my little shop … I’ve done nothing wrong and all of a sudden it’s up in flames.” he said.

However, despite the tragedy Mr Horrell intends to set up a cart with a coffee machine at the front of the shop and continue working.

“I’ve lost everything but we have such a strong community here, I know they’ll be here to support us in the rebuild.

“Do you know what’s good about this little city of Adelaide of ours? Everyone has come forward and said ‘Dan, we are ready to roll up our sleeves and ready to get your cafe back open as soon as possible’.

“This little coffee shop here is going to bounce back.”

When police arrived on the scene on Thursday night, the rear of the business was engulfed in flames.

The Metropolitan Fire Service was able to bring the blaze under control.

Bray St was closed for traffic for a short time, but has since reopened.

The MFS has estimated the damage bill to be $35,000 and police are calling for anyone with information or CCTV to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.