Rock ‘N Fish leaves Laguna, rooftop redesign stays

The restaurant that had been poised to reap the benefit of downtown Laguna Beach’s first rooftop deck has closed after four years in the coastal city.

Rock ‘N Fish, which operated the top space in the historic two-story Heisler building, served its last meals and cocktails Saturday, building owner Sam Goldstein said.

Rock ‘N Fish, part of the Zislis Group, a Manhattan Beach-based hotel and restaurant management company, issued a statement on its website that alluded to the role money played in the decision to shutter the Laguna Beach site.

“With great sadness we are announcing Rock ‘N Fish’s closure in Laguna Beach,” the statement said. “We have developed many friendships and loyal customers and find this to be a very difficult decision.

“We have always strived to hold a commitment to serve only the finest food, wine, beer and spirits to our guests. Unfortunately, the economics of the location just do not enable us to continue operations here.”

Rock ‘N Fish also has restaurants in Manhattan Beach and downtown Los Angeles at L.A. Live. They remain open.

“It’s a difficult business environment in Laguna Beach, and this is a good example,” Goldstein said.

Councilman Steve Dicterow said Rock ‘N Fish’s closure shouldn’t be taken as a knock against Laguna’s business environment, though he added that “rents are higher than most businesses can afford.”

Speaking in more general terms about Laguna’s economic climate, Dicterow said, “Laguna encourages mom-and-pop businesses that don’t have the same capital as larger chain stores. Most places that start out don’t survive past one year. It takes two to three years for the owners to survive on that income.”

Goldstein said Rock ‘N Fish’s closing will not affect plans for the deck to be built atop the Heisler building, 422 S. Coast Hwy. Tommy Bahama restaurant occupies the first floor of the structure.

In October, the City Council unanimously approved a 1,348-square-foot deck to serve diners that will include umbrellas at eight fixed locations and a transparent railing bordering the space.

Deck supporters argued the space would provide diners a world-class experience with views of the ocean and surrounding hillsides.

Opponents said a deck occupied by patrons and umbrellas would block views for some and be unsightly for pedestrians who might glance up at the space.

Goldstein said he will look for another restaurant tenant to fill the space vacated by Rock ‘N Fish.