SCRANTON — A former restaurateur plans to bring quality food, drinks and entertainment to West Side.
Giancarlo Armenti — who operated Armenti’s Pizzeria in Olyphant for more than a decade — now aims to rejuvenate a city bar.
After taking a year off following the death of his wife, Maria, he’s excited to serve valued customers once again.
Armenti intends to open the Social Tavern, 2225 Jackson St., to the public this week. The property was most recently home to Backstreets Tiki Bar & Grille and Rep’s Place.
“I was built for this,” Armenti said. “One of the things that makes me happy is seeing I’m making people happy … enjoying the food, environment and entertainment with good hospitality.”
Todd Pousley, director of community development for NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania — which led the development of a 10-year neighborhood revitalization plan for West Scranton — attributes some of the recent business interest to ongoing work through the initiative.
“We’re always happy to see new businesses move into West Side, especially ones that are being developed or owned by people with other successful businesses in the area,” Pousley said. “It’s a good indication that some of the broader work we’re doing in the neighborhood to improve quality of life, improve parks, (attract) more small businesses, eliminate blight and help people with housing assistance is paying off. In addition to supporting the people who are living in West (Side), we also have commercial corridors like Main Avenue and that’s kind of like West Scranton’s own little downtown with small businesses and restaurants. At the same time as we’re helping people with housing needs, we’re also trying to cultivate that small downtown.”
Scranton-based AD Premier Holdings purchased the property at 2223-2225 Jackson St. from Back Streets Enterprises LLC for $415,000, according to a deed recorded April 30 in Lackawanna County
The large outdoor area — which can accommodate 80 to 100 guests — drew Armenti to the property.
“You can make a lot of people happy here, and I feel like it’s in the right hands,” he said.
In addition to the regular menu, an outdoor barbecue pit will be used Saturdays and Sundays, Armenti said. Other weekend menu items include cheeseburger sliders, chicken wings, wing bites, salads, flatbreads and paninis.
More menu items will be available throughout the week, said Armenti, who noted the establishment will be closed Tuesdays.
Armenti strives to differentiate the Social Tavern from other bars in the city and local area through a variety of activities, including a mix of live musical performances (rock, country, jazz), and different events Wednesdays like trivia, karaoke or music bingo.
After building a home in the city, Armenti takes pride in developing a hot spot for food and entertainment and believes his strong work ethic will carry the business forward.
“It’s very important,” he said. “I feel like something like this is needed in the area. I started from nothing when I came to the area. When I got married, we opened the pizza shop and I didn’t know anybody. I started from zero and worked my way up. All my friends are entrepreneurs, too, and we all stick together.”
Armenti looks forward to serving former patrons — who became pals — and fostering new friendships.
“I still have a good relationship with my customers from the pizza place,” he said. “They can’t wait until I open.”
Outdoor seating and the bar area at the Social Tavern on Jackson St. in Scranton on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
The smoke pit at the Social Tavern on Jackson St. in Scranton on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
The former Backstreet Tiki Bar and Grille, now home to the Social Tavern, on Jackson St. in Scranton on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)