HONOLULU (KHON2) -- Workers at Romano's Macaroni Grill at Ala Moana said they were surprised when they showed up to work on March 21 and were locked out. "There were chains on the door, no notice, nothing," said one employee that KHON2 spoke to outside the unemployment office on Punchbowl Monday afternoon. Honolulu introduces new emergency alert system "There were court papers on the door saying the restaurant has been seized and we can no longer work until the issue is resolved," the 16-year employee said. Workers say it all appears to stem from a legal battle. Court records show an ongoing 10-month litigation between the new Macaroni Grill owner, the previous owner and Ala Moana Shopping Center. According to court documents, Ala Moana Center was seeking backpay in rent to the previous owner back in May 2024. The documents state the previous owner owed $178,405.04 in rent and legal fees. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Court documents show the new owner paid his rent and is going through litigation with the former owner. It's a legal battle that has left the employees wondering if they'll be able to go back to work, or need to find new jobs. "We're just workers," the employee said. "The issue between ownership and the mall has nothing to do with the workers, we just wanted a few minutes to go in and grab our personal items." He said employees want to grab things like tip money, knives, and work shoes. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news "We have families to feed, bills to pay, we're not looking for trouble, we just want this issue resolved so we can move on with our lives. The HR representative for Manna Restaurant Group shared a letter to KHON2 that was sent to the Governor as well, urging an investigation into the lockout. In part, the letter reads: "On Friday, March 21, the management of Ala Moana Center took the drastic step of chaining the doors of our establishment, leaving our dedicated employees in a state of shock and uncertainty. Many of them arrived for their scheduled shifts only to find the doors locked, with no explanation provided. In response, we filed an injunction on Monday; however, after a week has passed, there has been no progress toward reopening the restaurant.  Skateboarder, 38, killed in crash involving two vehicles "It is particularly concerning that the writ filed addresses the previous owners of the restaurant, and it has come to our attention that this writ was not served by a sheriff, raising questions about the legitimacy of the lockout and the processes being followed.  "This situation has caused immense distress for our employees, who rely on their jobs to support themselves and their families. They are left in limbo, uncertain about their futures and without the means to earn a living. It is disheartening to witness such treatment of hardworking individuals during what should be a collaborative and respectful business environment. "We urge you to investigate this matter with urgency and advocate for a resolution that prioritizes the well-being of our employees and ensures that their rights are upheld. The community depends on businesses like ours, and it is crucial that we stand together to protect the rights and livelihoods of those who work tirelessly to serve our patrons." Find more Hawaii, Oahu, Maui and Kauai news here KHON2 reached out to Ala Moana Center and has not yet heard back. The state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations said in an email that concerns regarding property access may involve private lease agreements and legal matters and employees may need to consult an attorney or seek assistance from law enforcement if they are being denied access to personal belongings. ...read more read less