The closure leaves a number of people who received Rocksalt gift vouchers in their Christmas stockings wondering whether they will be able to redeem them.

Many people took to social media to question why the restaurant was still selling gift vouchers until very recently, given it was experiencing financial difficulties.

In a statement issued yesterday by DConsult Pty Limited, trading as Rocksalt Bar & Grill, the troubles were attributed to "a series of complex ongoing issues" not forseen by the company's sole director, Deanna Lea.

The company directed customers holding a voucher from deal-based website Groupon - which had been selling coupons for discounted seafood platters, expiring February 12 - to make contact with Groupon for a refund as "Rocksalt only receives payment on Groupon vouchers after presentation".

People with vouchers bought directly from Rocksalt were advised a solution was being devised.

"Ms Lea continues to work on a solution that will see as many as possible of those gift vouchers honoured; those details will be posted in the coming days when the particulars have been settled," the statement said.

"Ms Lea's overriding concern is for that of her staff, suppliers and customers - she has tried to spare them, as much as is possible, from the impact of the forced closure of the business and she is continuing to work with the administrators in that regard.

"Voluntary administration was the last place that Ms Lea expected her business to be in. However, administration is not necessarily the end and Ms Lea does hold some hope that she might be able to reopen the business in due course."

The announcement comes just days after the restaurant hosted a New Year's Eve party, offering $125 food and beverage packages for people to ring in 2014.

One poster on a restaurant review website complained the bar ran out of alcohol during the event.

Responses to the Facebook post were a mixture of the disappointed, the frustrated and the angry.

"Such a shame. Great food and atmosphere," said one comment.

Another former customer was less forgiving, writing: "I find it appalling that you have willingly sold me a gift voucher only days ago knowing that you would not be able to honour it."

Another commenter asked the venue to provide further answers.

"While I appreciate the situation you are in right now, I must say I am very distressed and disgusted that you sold me a gift voucher only days ago," the commenter wrote.

Elsewhere on the Facebook page, supporters offered words of understanding and encouragement, which have been welcomed by the company in its statement.

"As could be imagined, this is a very difficult time for Ms Lea. She is very appreciative of the kind support that has been extended to her and she would like to thank everybody for their kind words and best wishes," it said.

Did you work for Rocksalt Bar and Grill? The Mercury would like to talk to you. Contact cos@illawarramercury.com.au or 4221 2207.