DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. -- Fire gutted a popular DeKalb County restaurant early Monday morning.

The owner of the Havana Restaurant at Buford Highway and North Druid Hills Road blamed the fire on homeless people.

SLIDESHOW: Havana Restaurant Fire IM

Debbie Benedit said the fire started outside the restaurant just after midnight and spread inside.

"My heart just sunk," said Benedit.

The owner of the 32-year-old restaurant said it has been the target of recent break-in attempts.

"Tonight it looks like they tried to burn the building down," said Benedit.

No one was injured in the fire.

Benedit saID the restaurant was the target of an attempted break-in last week. Her late husband's family migrated to the United States from Cuba, and the restaurant has served sandwiches for 32 years.

The national restaurant guide Zagat has recognized Havana Sandwich Shop as the "Top Cuban Restaurant" in Atlanta several times.

Benedit would not say if she plans to reopen the Havana Restaurant.