Farewell to Social: A Family's Culinary Journey Ends

After 30 years, the Qiku family has decided to close their beloved Social Bar & Restaurant in Somerville, New Jersey. This wasn't a sudden closure but a planned retirement for John and Peggy Qiku, the founders of the restaurant. Originally named Ciao Bello, the restaurant started as an Italian eatery on New Year's Eve 1994. John and Peggy, immigrants from Albania, turned their dream into reality despite the odds. The restaurant thrived, gaining loyal customers and rave reviews. As competition grew, they smartly shifted to Asian fusion cuisine and added trendy cocktails, rebranding it as Social. Bekim Qiku, one of their sons, has been working at the restaurant since he was 16. He witnessed generations of customers grow up, from babies to young adults. The Qiku family expanded their business by opening Ovations in South Bound Brook, running both restaurants until the time came to pass the torch. The family will continue to own the property, leasing it out to a new Asian Fusion restaurant set to open this spring. Bekim expressed gratitude to the community and customers who supported them over the decades.