Melbourne mourns International Cakes owner Bill Batzogiannis, the beloved owner of International Cakes on Lonsdale Street, who died suddenly at the age of 76.
Originally from Katerini in northern Greece, Batzogiannis immigrated to Australia in the 1960s and became co-owner of International Cakes in 1973. For more than five decades, he remained the welcoming face of the store, turning it into a pillar of Melbourne’s Hellenic precinct and a cherished fixture of the CBD.
International Cakes wasn’t just a bakery — it was a cultural institution. Known for its classic Greek sweets such as galaktoboureko, kataifi and baklava, the shop became a meeting point for journalists, students, community leaders, and new migrants. Families would gather there after church, couples on dates would share a slice of cake, and visitors from interstate would make a point to stop by.
“It’s not just the sweets — it’s the people,” Batzogiannis said in a 2023 interview. “This place became a part of their lives. That’s what made it special.”
The shop closed in September 2024 after 62 years in operation, marking the end of an era. “I wanted to stop working. It’s time for retirement,” Batzogiannis told Herald Sun at the time. The news prompted an outpouring of tributes across social media, with many recalling the comfort, nostalgia and generosity that defined the Lonsdale Street icon.
7NEWS reported that some loyal customers had been visiting the bakery weekly for decades, while Broadsheet described it as “one of the final vestiges of a once-vibrant Greek hub in the heart of the city.”
In a tribute, the Greek Community of Melbourne stated:
“A sweet soul behind one of Lonsdale Street’s most iconic establishments, Bill brought joy to generations through his warm hospitality and unforgettable desserts.”
Bill Batzogiannis is remembered not only for his craft, but also for his quiet contribution to Melbourne’s multicultural fabric — serving up tradition, belonging, and kindness one pastry at a time.
His funeral will take place on Monday, 14 July.
