In December 2014, it became known that the “Octopus” (the Batumi café Fantasia) was under threat of demolition, prompting Batumi’s cultural heritage defenders to organize protests. The first rally took place on December 6, 2014. A petition was launched to save the café located inside the “Octopus,” where supporters left their handprints in solidarity. Protesters demanded that the structure be granted cultural heritage status and restored. The demonstration was joined by the mayor of Batumi and several members of the Supreme Council.

Parallel to the protests, activists launched social media campaigns to defend the “Octopus.” Batumi residents shared photos, memories, and calls to protect the building on Facebook, including through the dedicated page Café Fantasia.

Despite public support, the Adjara government, which owned the property, hesitated. Then-Chairman Archil Khabadze argued that the “Octopus” was not a monument and could not be restored.

In February 2015, the government met with members of the civic organization Batomi and activists, but the issue dragged on. The building never received heritage status. By late 2016, it was announced that the “Octopus” would be restored, funded by the Cartu Foundation, linked to Bidzina Ivanishvili.

Restoration began in 2017, financed by the Cartu Foundation. On August 21, 2019, the restored “Octopus” was officially reopened by the Georgian government.