NSW restaurant owner defiant after attack

The Sydney restaurant owner who caught an alleged vandal says he will stay in Newtown despite being the target of a racist attack.

A Lebanese restaurant owner in Sydney's inner-west says he won't be intimidated by "idiots" or driven out of his business despite a series of attacks on his property including racist graffiti.

Newtown restaurant Arabella had its windows smashed on Tuesday morning, followed by another attack 24 hours later when owner Mohamad Zouhour caught a man allegedly destroying basins at the back of the inner-west property.

Mr Zouhour, who is also head chef, told AAP he and a friend had been sitting inside the restaurant when they heard a loud noise and ran outside to find a 23-year-old man.

Mr Zouhour and his friend held the man until police arrived.

The man has denied he was responsible for Tuesday's attack.

Police have since charged a 23-year-old Kogarah man who was also allegedly found carrying the drug ice.

Mr Zouhour said his business has been targeted three times in the past and had received threatening phone calls.

Last Friday a racist slur was etched into the glass, Mr Zouhour said.

Arabella has been on Newtown's King Street for 14 years and Mr Zouhour says he loves the community.

"That's what makes me strong and stay here, I am not going to go, even some bunch of idiots, stupid people doing these things... I am going to stay and work, support my family and support my community.

"I am here, I am not going anywhere, I am going to cook tonight."

The 23-year-old man has been refused bail and will appear in Newtown Local Court on Wednesday.


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Source: AAP


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