Artarmon: Furkan Aksamaz charged with firebombing North Shore burger joint

A man charged over the firebombing of a popular Sydney halal burger joint was allegedly paid to carry out the act, a court has heard.

The BRGR burger restaurant in Hampden Rd, Artarmon, was allegedly firebombed by two men on August 15, 2024. Picture: Reddit

A man who allegedly firebombed a popular Sydney halal restaurant was motivated by money, a court has heard.

BRGR Real Burgers, on the main street of Artarmon, was destroyed after it exploded into flames early on August 16 last year.

Furkan Aksamaz, along with another man, are alleged to have used an accelerant to torch the outlet on Hampden Rd, opposite the Artarmon train station.

During a bail application at Manly Local Court on Wednesday, the court heard that Aksamaz allegedly accepted money to burn the business down.

The 22-year-old from Auburn has pleaded not guilty to one count of destroying property, in company, using fire or explosives.

The owners of the BRGR burger outlet in Artarmon have vowed to re-open the popular business after the alleged arson attack. Picture: Facebook/BRGR

Aksamaz appeared in court via video link from the Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre at Silverwater.

His solicitor told the court that Aksamaz lived with his mother and younger brother and was not a risk of failing to appear at his next court appearance.

Magistrate Lisa Stapleton said police were alleging that Aksamaz “accepts money to use an accelerant to set fire to a restaurant”.

Ms Stapleton said another man had also been charged with the same offence.

She said the alleged arson presented a “very grave risk of injury to the community”.

Ms Stapleton released Aksamaz on bail with strict conditions including that he hand over his passport and abide by a curfew not to leave his home between 8pm and 6am.

The BRGR burger outlet had been open for four years prior to the fire. Picture: BRGR

BRGR, which offered a wide-ranging halal menu — food prepared under Islamic law — has not reopened since the fire.

In a Facebook post dated August 18, its owner, “Karl”, advised customers that the outlet had been the victim of an alleged arson attack and was “firebombed by cowards”.

“We have been through the most difficult and strenuous times the food and beverage industry has ever experienced over the past few years having to deal with covid, inflation and consumers not spending due to the rise in cost of living,” he posted.

“However we persevered, remained strong and determined and due to all your support we were able to keep our doors open when so many other businesses in our industry sadly closed theirs.

“To wake up and see four years of hard work, sacrifice and dedication literally go up in flames is absolutely devastating.

“Our full intention is to repair, rebuild and expand BRGR into the future.”

Aksamaz will be back in Hornsby Local Court on February 5.