Editor's Note: Owner AJ Alghazali has since sold this restaurant. He said the sale allowed him to focus on two other businesses: Nextech Solutions, a next-generation home security business, and Rytech Restoration, a franchise business focused on repairing water and fire damage and mold remediation.
AJ Alghazali knew from the start that he would marry his now wife, Diana.
He said they met in high school and always wanted to open a business together.
That dream was realized Jan. 26 when they celebrated the grand opening of The Social restaurant in Merrillville.
The family-owned fine dining restaurant at 399 E. 81st Ave. specializes in American food “with portions just like your mama would serve you,” its website says. Menu items include burgers, tacos, sandwiches and pasta. It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
“We take pride in what we do,” AJ Alghazali said.
Alghazali said he and his wife are very sociable, thus the name. They try different ways to engage their customers like whiskey Wednesday and Tuesday wine night. They even offered an Oreo waffle on National Oreo Cookie Day on March 6.
“The Social is going to bring an elusive dynamic to the Merrillville retail corridor,” said John O’Malley of Crown Point-based Latitude Commercial, who represented the tenant, in a press release.
The Social serves clients across Merrillville, St. John, Crown Point, Schererville, Dyer and throughout Northwest Indiana.
