American Social is coming to Ripon.
That’s the new bar and grill that Turlock realtor, developer, and restauranter Jerry Powell is looking to open this fall.
Work is taking place at the former ‘Fina by John Surla’ site at 200 W. River Road. – the last day of operation for Fina was July 29, with Chef John and Josephine Surla thanking those who supported the business over the years.
Powell and his business partners have several successful restaurants in Turlock, including Cuts Steakhouse, The Udder Place, The Grand Cru, and Katana Sushi Bar.
Michelle Jasper, who is the Event Coordinator for Community Hospice Foundation, raved about Cuts Steakhouse at the Ripon Rotary Club meeting on Wednesday. “It’s the most amazing place – fresh food with great service,” she said.
Jasper added: “You’re blessed to have (Powell) come to Ripon.”
She was a guest at the local service organization luncheon gathering, and was especially surprised to see a familiar face as the guest speaker.
Powell was brought on by local Rotary President John Mangelos, who is in on his fourth go-around as club president.
“I wanted Jerry come by and share his vision,” he said.
In this endeavor, he’s bringing in his experience of the past 10 years to Ripon. American Social will feature a full bar with craft cocktails and a menu with pasta, steak, small plate items, and specials, to name a few.
“I think it’s important to learn what’s happening in the community,” said Powell, who is also looking at bringing in some live music to American Social along with his chef from Cuts Steakhouse.
He grew up in Hughson, where he attended Hughson High – Powell, a 1988 graduate, played football and wrestled for the Huskies.
He joined the Marine Corp after graduation and served overseas. Powell had grown 3 inches while adding 35 pounds to his frame after his four years, and resumed playing football at the junior college level. “I was one of the old guys,” he said.
Powell enrolled at Stanislaus State, earning his degree in Business. He then became involved in all aspects of commercial real estate, construction, development, and property management.
In addition, Powell serves on several committees for the Turlock Chamber of Commerce and is on the Turlock Salvation Army board of directors.
