Coffee House Fires Back In Style

Illawarra Mercury

Friday August 22, 2008

By MICHELLE HOCTOR

WITH all the impetus of a double short black, Wollongong's Saveski brothers were back in the coffee business yesterday - operating from the corner pub.

David and Denis Saveski were forced from their Pellegrini Espresso Bar in Keira St on Wednesday after a fire broke out in the upstairs premises.

Business J&C Jewellers Gallery was destroyed in the early morning blaze, with three other businesses - the Pellegrini, Gossip Thai and clinical psychologist Roz Hamilton's offices - sustaining smoke and water damage.

By 6.30am yesterday, the aroma of coffee was wafting from a makeshift coffee bar at the Hotel Illawarra.

David said business had been brisk at the new location, with customers keen for both some caffeine and a chat about the fire.

"We were quite busy this morning, which was great. Our regular customers work around the area so they followed us," he said.

Hotel manager Paul Anzani said he was keen to assist the brothers in the interest of helping out fellow business operators while performing a community service.

"The guys have a great product and there's nothing more tragic than the people of our CBD not being able to get a great cup of coffee," Mr Anzani said. "They are welcome to stay here as long as it takes."

This declaration brought a smile to David's face.

"Actually, I am getting quite comfortable here - the beer taps are right next to the coffee machine and I do fancy a beer," he said.

David said he expected his business to be back trading from its shopfront location by Monday.

"We didn't suffer any damage in the shop, only a bit of water damage, so it's just a matter of getting in and cleaning up," he said.

© 2008 Illawarra Mercury

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