Perth Voice Interactive

BAYSWATER city councillor John Rifici has sold his iconic cafe, after 14 years grinding coffees and whipping up lasagna.

Rifo’s Cafe, at the corner of Guildford Road and Eighth Avenue, helped spark Maylands’ cafe strip culture.

Cr Rifici has sold the business to a four-person consortium, including long-time staffer Cassia, saying he felt jaded commuting seven days a week to and from his North Fremantle home.

The 51-year-old has hung up his apron to sell real estate in and around Fremantle.

“I’m still friends with loads of people in Maylands and know lots of business owners, so it won’t impact my ability to be a Bayswater councillor,” he says.

“I also still own the building Rifo’s operates in, so there will always be that tie as well.

“I haven’t decided whether I will run again for council at the next election.”

In June Mr Rifici, staff and customers—including a nine-year-old girl—barricaded themselves inside the cafe when a gang tried to smash its way in with rocks.

A staffer was king-hit, a customer punched and bottles were hurled.

The traumatic incident inspired Mr Rifici to seek election, running on an anti-social behaviour ticket.

He is pushing for CCTV on Eighth Avenue and a more visible police presence in Maylands.

Mr Rifici says the new owners will modernise the menu with more tapas and shared plate options.

Before opening Rifo’s, Mr Rifici was a hairdresser for 20 years, a profession shared with mayor Sylvan Albert.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK