|
Fred Woolman, 65, of Rochester recently had a first date at Dunn Bros. North in Rochester. He met his date at a Savvy Singles of Rochester event and wanted to get to know her better. Going out for coffee is "standard operating procedure for dating," he says. "It's a neutral place, comfortable and affordable. Dunn Brothers has always been a favorite place of mine, and it was one of hers too."
The pair continues to see each other and is "building a nice relationship," Woolman says.
Tami Greenslade, 36, of Rochester has gone on coffee dates with people she has met online. Coffee houses are an easy, convenient location to meet a potential romantic partner and determine if there is chemistry, which is not something you can determine via e-mail.
"In order to truly know someone, words are not enough," Greenslade says. "It's the actions that count. You need to see the person in person, and meeting for coffee is a perfect starting point."
The relaxed nature of a coffee house is also appealing.
"People want a public place, but also a comfortable place," says Marie Hlava, manager of Dunn Bros. Coffee's south Rochester store. And she adds that going for coffee eliminates the pressure of time that can come from meeting over lunch or dinner. If you and your date click, then you may feel rushed if the restaurant wants to free up the table, while if there is no chemistry, dinner can seem unending. At a coffee shop, you can stay as long as you like. If things are going well, stay all afternoon. If not, one cup and you're done.
"Most people will know in a short amount of time if they have enough in common or if there is enough of an interest to pursue a longer date with someone," Greenslade says.
Mike Wait, shift manager at Caribou Marketplace, agrees. Coffee shops offer a warm and inviting atmosphere that helps people be themselves. Then, if things are going well, "you have the option to go on to dinner," he says. And if not? "You'll stay awake even if the conversation is boring," he adds.
Another advantage to the coffee date is that alcohol is not involved. Without alcohol, "You can have a clearer picture of the personality and character of the other person," Greenslade says.
What if you don't drink coffee? Not to worry. Coffee houses offer a variety of drinks from hot or iced tea to smoothies and juice drinks, and Greenslade's favorite, hot chocolate.
"Just do it," Woolman says. "You got to get in the ring."
Or in this case, the coffee house.
Not looking for love?
Even if you're not looking for love, a coffee house can still be a great place to meet.
The homey environment many shops create with fireplaces, sofa and overstuffed chairs is conducive to conversation.
Both Hlava and Wait see business meetings, special interest groups and friends meeting at their shops.
Amenities such as computers and wifi access and events like live music increase the appeal.
"Coffee shops have become a new community place," Hlava says. "People meet here accidentally all the time. We even have people at the counter start talking to their neighbors who are at the drive through window. We just step back and let them chat for a while."
| 
