The beloved Reel Inn, a longtime seafood restaurant in Malibu, was one of the many businesses lost to the devastating Palisades Fire along Pacific Coast Highway. Known for its warm atmosphere and dedicated staff, the loss of this historic eatery has deeply impacted both its employees and the local community.
A Restaurant Built on Hard Work and Friendship
The Reel Inn was more than just a restaurant—it was a second home for its 23 employees. Teddy Leonard, the restaurant’s co-owner, spoke about the bond between the team, expressing gratitude for the people who helped make the restaurant what it was.
“I feel really blessed to have known these people, to work with these people, and they were our first concern when the restaurant was gone. What are they going to do?” said Leonard.
Overcoming Past Challenges: COVID-19’s Impact
The fire wasn’t the first hardship that the Reel Inn had faced. The COVID-19 pandemic also took a serious toll on the business. However, the loyalty and dedication of the employees stood out even during those tough times.
Leonard shared how some employees chose not to take their paychecks during the pandemic, knowing that the restaurant was running on savings.
“Even during COVID, they didn’t even want to take paychecks,” Leonard said. “A couple of them asked if they could give us their paychecks because they knew we were taking it out of our savings account.”
A Community Effort: GoFundMe Raises $200,000
To support their employees, the Reel Inn owners launched a GoFundMe campaign, which has raised nearly $200,000. These funds will be distributed among the 23 staff members on Thursday, helping them stay afloat in the coming months.
The overwhelming community response highlights the deep connection people had with the Reel Inn and its team. It also shows the strong sense of support and resilience that exists in Malibu.
The Palisades Fire: A Destructive Force
The Palisades Fire started on January 7 in Pacific Palisades, just east of Malibu. According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the fire has already burned over 23,000 acres and was 65% contained as of Wednesday.
The Reel Inn is one of many businesses affected, and the road to recovery for both the restaurant and the community will be challenging. However, with continued support and resilience, there is hope that they will rebuild and move forward.
The loss of the Reel Inn is not just about a building—it’s about the people, memories, and hard work that made it special. The community’s quick response through fundraising efforts shows how much the restaurant and its staff meant to Malibu.
While the Palisades Fire has left devastation in its wake, the Reel Inn family remains strong, united by the support of those who care about them. As the area recovers, the hope remains that Reel Inn and its dedicated team will find a way to continue their legacy.
