Leah Sebben, who was a server at the King Street North location, said she’s upset about losing her job, but she understands and hopes for the best for Haase.

“It is true that we haven’t received our last pay cheque, but quite frankly, my last pay cheque isn’t worth the pain that (they) are going through,” said Sebben, who is a bachelor of design student at Conestoga College. “I think it’s easy to be angry by being blindsided, but I think everyone needs to realize what’s going on.”

With the payroll account frozen, Hunsen says, the only option is to utilize the Government of Canada’s Wage Earner Protection Program. If companies go bankrupt, or enter receivership, the government of Canada will cover unpaid wages to ensure that all employees get paid.

The only thing that stands in the way of accessing those funds? Filing for bankrupcy.

According to Haase and his wife, there are no funds left. They have borrowed more than $1 million from family members. Haase's wife has cashed in her Registered Retirement Savings Plan funds. With at least a $25,000 price tag to declare bankruptcy, Hunsen and Haase are hoping that Boston Pizza can step in and pay what is essentially “petty cash” to the corporation, in order to help employees.

Now, as Haase, his wife and his three young children pick up the pieces, they feel they’re being unfairly targeted.

"The attacks are addressed at the wrong people," said Hunsen.

“I feel that I did everything I possibly could to protect those employees and keep them in work,” said Haase.

The Haase family is hoping that by explaining their side of the story, the personal attacks can stop. They are most concerned about their children and what they hear.

“I think it’s most important for me that they know why the doors are closed, why they’re out their money and why there was no notice,” said Haase.

Boston Pizza did not respond to a request for comment.