Sera Petras Photography
Joanna Marchetti, co-owner of 77 Social in Irvington.
Some opportunities are too good to pass up.
It’s not like Joanna and Anthony Marchetti didn’t already have plenty on their plate. Besides being the parents of three active children, the couple owns The Local and music venue CAMP Irvington. Meanwhile, both had full-time jobs, Anthony with Docks of the Bay and Joanna in healthcare administration.
When Vine’s owner Terri Riggs decided to retire, she approached the Marchettis about buying the popular wine bar, setting the couple off in another new direction. “When this opportunity presented itself, we jumped on it and I left my job to go all in,” Joanna Marchetti says.
Although they closed on the sale last August, it was October before the transition began and the new sign for 77 Social didn’t officially go up until November. One notable change was the addition of a 12-seat bar and with it, a well-crafted menu of cocktail offerings. The Marchettis had met while bartending in the Outer Banks and knew the change would give the place the fun, lively vibe they’d set out to create. “We had some projects and mini renovations to complete before doing our name change,” Marchetti says. “We have two cocktail menus, our main list featuring classics with a twist and a fun one with specialty drinks on it.”
Sera Petras Photography
There's no shortage of creativity behind the bar at 77 Social. Patrons can choose from a list of classics with a twist or a fun, specialty cocktail for those wanting to try something new. Wine is also available by the bottle to purchase and take home.
Cocktails and the bar aren’t the only changes at 77 Social. Marchetti took the reins to create a neighborhood hangout, complete with disco ball artwork and wine available for sale to take home. “My ultimate vision is for customers to love the vibe and leave feeling like they’ve had the best time,” she says. “When Anthony and I would do mini-trips, our best memories are of finding a cool place, enjoying the vibe and chatting with the bartender. We want to offer that.”
Sera Petras Photography
The playlist, curated by the staff on duty, varies, as does the volume and even carries over to the restroom, where fairy lights also contribute to the mood. During good weather, the patio offers seven tables outside and under umbrellas with more strings of lights adding to the outdoor ambiance. “People come in surprised they need a reservation,” she says. “But with only six tables inside and seven out, we fill up fast.”
Marchetti has begun dabbling in live music, often by Justin Burke, and almost always with a theme such as “Queen for a Night,” featuring the songs of Queen, or Fleetwood Burke. “We put social in the bar’s name because we think it speaks to the fun vibe, and 77 is just the address,” she says with a laugh.
“Some guests are looking for a great story to the name, but it’s as simple as that.”
The menu was revamped with some familiar offerings such as the popular salmon board still available as well as some fresh additions. “We put a lot of TLC into planning the menu to offer more options,” she says of the expanded menu. “We’ve got an amazing kitchen staff.”
Despite the “girl power” vibe and fun cocktails, 77 Social attracts its share of menfolk, some of whom are bar regulars and others who come in with dates or friends. It was a full house for their Galentine’s Day event in February celebrating female friendship, but even on that day, several men braved the estrogen to sip and sup.
With her outgoing nature, bartending experience and enthusiasm for bringing a new concept to the area, Marchetti has shifted gears from healthcare to hospitality without missing a beat. “The hardest part is balancing family and work,” she says of being present for her children’s activities. “It’s the amazing support from our families, staff and community that makes this possible.”
77 Social I 77 King Carter Lane, Irvington I Tuesday-Friday 4-9 pm I Saturday-Sunday 12-9 pm I 804-577-0773 | 77socialbar.com I Facebook & Instagram
