Proposed Venue Excites NEARK
By Jessica Ladd
Delta Digital News Service
JONESBORO — More entertainment options are coming to Jonesboro next year.
The Social, a restaurant, lounge and entertainment complex, plans to open its doors by August 2020. The business will be located in Greensborough Village, a 200-acre plot of land under construction along U.S. Highway 49 in Jonesboro at Hilltop. When completed, Greensborough Village will have multiple single-family homes, new stores and a movie theater.
The Social is just one of the businesses to announce an opening in the new development, much to the excitement of Jonesboro residents. Many took to social media, sharing The Social‘s post hundreds of times. Jeffrey Higgins, the owner of The Social, said he hasn’t received any negative feedback.
The Social is expected to open by Aug. 1, 2020 (photo from Facebook)
“It’s been incredible. People are excited,” he said. “It will be unlike any other food or restaurant chain in the region.”
Higgins also owns JTown’s Grill and Munchy’s in Jonesboro. He could see the demand for more adult entertainment. He said he thought of everything Jonesboro needed and put it into one. He drew inspiration from entertainment venues such as the Bass Pro Pyramid in Memphis. He even did research in other markets on similar facilities.
The Social will be over 12,000 square feet. It will have a full-service bar, lounge and top of the line bowling features. Higgins said he’s included all the bells and whistles. The second story will feature ten loft size apartments. There will also be a party deck that can be rented out for meetings or private parties. Higgins also stressed The Social would be a hangout spot or everyone. That includes families. There will be activities to keep children entertained. Higgins said as a father of three, he knows how difficult it can be to find a venue that has something for everyone. According to a Facebook post, Higgins said the main concept revolves around a great family environment, great food, lounge “social” areas and top-notch bowling experience.
President and CEO of Jonesboro Chamber of Commerce Mark Young said Greensborough Village, and its developments, will be a great addition to the city.
“Greensborough Village, when completed, will give Jonesboro residents more local choices for living and entertainment. This development won’t just give people a place to live and play, it will create jobs,” he said.
He also said it is important for people to spend their money locally. This builds Jonesboro’s economy. Young predicts with the completion of this project the Hilltop area will grow and expand as well.
Many A-State students have expressed their desire for more entertainment in Jonesboro. Jonesboro citizens are limited on where they can go to relax and enjoy themselves. The Social will bring another bowling option to the city. Rachel Flippen, a student at Arkansas State, said she may go to The Social once it opens.
“I think it’s a cool idea. People should enjoy it. I don’t see any reason why they wouldn’t,” she said.
The full service bar and lounge at The Social will offer college students a safe place to hang out and have fun.
Construction on The Social will start in May.
