A Manhattan Beach restaurant is asking for the community's help in supporting its staff by buying gift cards.

Rock'N Fish, Manhattan Beach's fish and steak house just steps to the pier, shut its doors last week and laid off its entire staff in the wake of L.A. County's three-week suspension of in-person dining.

It was an especially painful moment at Rock'N Fish, which was in the middle of celebrating its 20th anniversary during the month of November. It was also the second time in 2020 that the restaurant staff had been without jobs, and this time it was the day before Thanksgiving.

Owner Michael Zislis said that he needed to find some way to help and give back to employees.

“I was devastated to have to lay off my entire team right before the holidays. My employees here are like family. I need to do something that gives back and I think the Manhattan Beach community wants to do the same.”

The restaurant has launched a gift card program aimed at assisting staff during this difficult time. If you purchase an e-gift card of $100 or more before December 14, 50% of your purchase will go directly back to Rock'N Fish staff who have been laid off.

Rock’N Fish aims to be able to donate at least $500 to each employee with this program.

To purchase a gift card please visit mb.rocknfish.com.

"Your support and love means the world to us and we want to make sure our amazing staff is taken care of during this time," the restaurant team shared in a social media post. 

According to spokesperson Jenna Ritter, the restaurant will hire employees back when the restaurant is able to reopen for service, but some employees will likely need to find a different job before then.

Rock’N Fish, a Manhattan Beach landmark, is known for its American Regional Cuisine and fresh ingredients from local farmers market and fish purveyors. Founded in 2000, the restaurant's distinctive interior features California beach décor along with stained-glass artwork by artist Zen Del Rio.