Gardai confirmed investigations into the incident are ongoing
THE owners of a beloved Dublin food truck have issued an urgent plea after their business was destroyed in a suspected arson attack.

The horror blaze broke out shortly after midnight on Monday last on the Ballygall Road in Finglas, Dublin 11.

Cops were called to the scene after a food container was set alight at approximately 12:05 last Monday.

Gardai confirmed the investigations into the incident are ongoing.

Owners of Papi’s Street Food, Ana and her husband Jose, confirmed the blaze on social media, describing the alleged arson attack as an “act of malice.”

They wrote: “We are heartbroken to share that our food truck was intentionally set on fire.

“This act of malice has left us devastated, and unfortunately we will have to remain closed for some time.

“We are hardworking people who only want to make a living and bring good food to our community.

“We have never wished harm on anyone, and it truly saddens us that someone chose to hurt our business in this way.”

The couple continued: “Despite this setback, we are doing everything we can to recover and rebuild. We want to come back stronger, but it will take time.

“Thank you for your love, messages, and support during this incredibly difficult moment.

“It means more than you know. We hope to see you all again soon.”

FUND PLEA

In a bid to ease the financial burden and stress to the owners over damages and repair fees to their food struck, Ana and Jose launched a GoFundMe to raise funds.

So far, around €2,450 of the €3,500 has been raised to help Jose and Ana rebuild their business. 

The couple moved from Venezuela to Ireland due to the “difficult situation” in their home country.

Launching the fund plea, the owners shared the devastating news of the destruction left by the horror blaze.

We are doing everything we can to recover and rebuild. We want to come back stronger, but it will take time.”Papi’s owners Jose and Ana

They said: “We are an immigrant family who left our home country, Venezuela, due to the difficult situation there.

“Since arriving in Ireland, we’ve worked incredibly hard and we are deeply grateful to God for giving us this country as our new home.

“We came here as two, and today we are a beautiful family of four.”

They continued: “We have always been known for being hardworking and resilient, even in the face of adversity.

“But starting from zero is never easy, and right now we simply don’t have all the resources we need to rebuild. We truly want to come back, keep giving our best, and continue sharing our food with all our customers.

“That’s why any help you can offer even the smallest amount means the world to us, and we will be forever grateful.”

CHRISTMAS ‘STRESS, FEAR & UNCERTAINTY’

You can donate online to the ‘Help Us Bring Papi’s Back‘ campaign.

A second local fundraiser, organised by Graham Rayner, who owns the Ten10 Coffee in Dublin, has raised €3,001 to date.

He said: “Most of you will have heard the heartbreaking news that Papi’s went up in flames last night. In just a few minutes, a proud local business built on years of hard work, long days, and pure passion was destroyed.

“Papi isn’t just a business owner. He’s a familiar face, a good man, and someone who has always looked after the community with great food and a warm welcome.

“Today, he, his family, and his staff are left with nothing no premises, no income, and no idea what comes next.

“With Christmas so close, it’s truly devastating to think of the stress, fear, and uncertainty they’re facing right now. No family deserves to go through this.”

Graham added: “If you can spare anything at all, even the smallest donation, it would make a huge difference during this dark time.”

Gardai confirmed they are investigating the blaze.

A spokesperson for the force said: “Gardai responded to an incident of criminal damage by fire that occurred at approximately 12:05am on Monday 17th of November, 2025 on the Ballygall Road in Finglas, Dublin 11.

“Investigations are ongoing.”