MadCowes Cafe and Foodstore fire: Family devastated by Cowes, Phillip Island fire

A devastated family is picking up the pieces after a hidden fire destroyed their Phillip Island cafe. Here’s the latest update.

A fire has destroyed MadCowes Cafe and Foodstore in Phillip Island. Picture: Supplied

A family has been left devastated after a fire destroyed their beloved Phillip Island cafe.

Thirty firefighters and seven CFA trucks were called to The Esplanade in Cowes after a blaze broke out at MadCowes Cafe and Foodstore on March 3.

Owner Sharon Bridge told The Bass Coast News she was shocked to hear about the blaze from her daughter and business partner Kristal O’Connor.

“My daughter and several other staff members were working when she rang me to say there was smoke coming from the roof,” Ms Bridge said.

“She originally thought the chefs were burning something in the kitchen but 15 minutes later she saw smoke coming through the air vents.”

Ms Bridge said Ms O’Connor called the fire brigade and the building was immediately evacuated.

“She was so worried and concerned because she couldn’t see any flames,” Ms Bridge said.

“They weren’t sure where it was coming from.”

The fire allegedly started in a wall but investigations are still ongoing about what caused the blaze.

MadCowes’ $8000 juicer was thrown away due to fire damage. Picture: Brooke Grebert-Craig

Ms Bridge said it could have been the exhaust system or even an electrical trip.

“The exhaust system was new, only 10 months old,” she said.

“Cleaning, maintenance and procedures were up to date as well.”

Ms Bridge, who has owned MadCowes for 13 years, said there was more than $10,000 worth of damage.

“The roof and some walls have to be pulled out,” she said.

“The electricals need to be checked, duct work cleaned and stock thrown away.”

The cafe has been closed for two weeks and Ms Bridge said the business has lost more than $100,000 worth of customers.

“We have lost a lot of money due to it being so busy on the island,” she said.

“We are thankful we have business insurance as it covers staff wages.”

Ms Bridge said she wasn’t sure when MadCowes would reopen.

“We definitely won’t be opened for Easter as the cafe is still be cleaned,” she said.

“We are trying to implement an outdoor coffee machine or something like that.”

Ms Bridge said she is grateful for the support of the community.

“I didn’t realise we had such an impact on our customers,” she said.

“The cafe feels like a family community and a few of our customers are missing that.”

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