"Gone are the days of dimly lit first dates, swiping right and "you up?" texts. This Valentine's Day, San Franciscans went shopping for a different kind of snack at their local Trader Joe's. Based on the number of name tags handed out, nearly 400 singles showed up at the Hayes Valley Trader Joe's on Thursday evening with the hope of finding love - a testament to the allure of forming in-person connections even in the mecca of AI."
"The mastermind behind this one-of-a-kind dating event was Maggie Carroll, a 26 year-old government auditor. She decided to organize it on a whim. Inspired by a former roommate who once declared, in the throes of a breakup, that she would just go to Trader Joe's and ask someone out, Carroll was convinced the strategy had legs."
"Promoted largely on the event-planning app Partiful, the "Trader Joe's Lonely Hearts Club" night took shape. "Ever spot a sexy single in the frozen section?" the invite asked. Attendees were told to wear green to the grocery store, which did not officially sanction the event but was aware of it, and respectfully "flirt to your heart's content" over seasonal produce. They could then continue onward to other bars in the neighborhood to "debrief.""
Nearly 400 singles attended a Valentine's evening dating event at the Hayes Valley Trader Joe's organized by 26-year-old Maggie Carroll. Carroll conceived the event on a whim after a roommate suggested asking someone out in the store. The event was promoted on Partiful as the "Trader Joe's Lonely Hearts Club" and encouraged attendees to wear green, flirt politely among produce, and move on to nearby bars to debrief. The store was aware but did not officially sanction the gathering. A check-in table and an early crowd demonstrated strong interest in in-person social connection despite digital dating trends.
Read at Mission Local
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