Staff photo by Clay Schuldt Ripple effects from the COVID-19 pandemic — in the form of a chronic worker shortage and inflationary food prices — have combined to close the downtown location of Sozial.

Effective Monday, June 6, the Sozial Restaurant & Bar will close and the focus will be on Sozial’s food truck, Big Red’s.

Sozial co-owner Michele Seifert said the reason for closing the restaurant was due to a chronic labor shortage and increased operating costs.

Seifert said they are still exploring options for Sozial. It is possible the restaurant could re-open for winter months operation. The building might also be leased to another business. All options were still on the table.

Big Red’s Food Truck has already been on the move this season. Seifert said updates to the food truck’s location are made a few days in advance on Big Red’s Food Truck Facebook Page. The updates includes a list of menu items.

Staff photo by Clay Schuldt While the downtown location of Sozial will be closing, the restaurant's operators will focus on their food truck operation for the next several months.

Seifert said the menu usually changes with each visit. Typically the most popular items served from the food truck are brisket and Philly cheesesteak.

Sozial Restaurant will be closed for the Saturday, May 28, through May 30 for the Memorial Day holiday, but it will keep regular hours Tuesday, May 31, through Sunday, June 5.

In the press release, Sozial staff wished to extend appreciation to all who have supported the restaurant during the past four years.