The Cheesecake Shop, Subway at St Georges Rd, Thornbury destroyed by fire as neighbours evacuated and police investigate

Customers will be unable to grab a bite from two popular food chains in Melbourne’s north after the businesses went up in smoke as police investigate.

Firefighters remained at the scene about 8am Wednesday to assess the damage and put out any spot fires from the Thornbury blaze. Picture: Jordan McCarthy

Two popular fast-food shops have been gutted by fire in Melbourne’s north which saw almost a dozen nearby residents evacuated as police investigate the cause of the blaze.

A Subway and Cheesecake Shop at Thornbury will be unable to serve customers after the businesses, which share a small building, were badly damaged by fire overnight.

Emergency crews were called to reports of flames billowing from the two stores on St Georges Rd about 1.30am Wednesday.

Emergency crews remain at the scene and police will work to determine whether the blaze was deliberately lit. Picture: Jordan McCarthy

It took firefighters just under an hour to control the blaze, but the flames had completely gutted the building.

Eleven residents from nearby properties were evacuated during the incident as a precaution.

Police have not yet determined whether the fire was deliberately lit, and remained at the scene about 8am to investigate.

A Community Advice warning was issued for heavy smoke in the area.