Sick of dating apps? Try speed dating at The Source

In a world of remote work, virtual school and Zoom happy hours, a Sioux Falls coffee roaster and taproom wants to bring dating off the apps and back to the in-person realm.

The Source is launching its new LoveLab with a speed dating event March 11 at its downtown shop in the Jones421 Building on Phillips Avenue.

The goal is to bring people together in a relaxed, casual environment where they can safely meet face to face, said Ashley Statema, marketing manager.

“We’re really paying attention to the environment, making sure it’s not cheesy but just relaxed,” Statema said. “We just want people to know it’s a no-pressure zone.”

The event will start with a half-hour of mingling, where participants can enjoy a drink and some small bites. Then, the speed dating portion will begin with two- to five-minute rounds where people move from table to table.

Statema and Source owner Kristin Chau will be there to help facilitate and track if strong connections are made. That way, they can help make sure contact info is exchanged at the end of the night.

Participants have until Monday to sign up. Pre-registration is required so participants can answer a few questions ahead of time. They will then receive an email with the specific details.

Chau noted that the initial event sign-ups have been mostly from women, so she’s specifically looking for single men in the 25-40 age range.

Future events will focus on different age groups, and The Source also is looking at other ways to connect people who may not be looking to date but may want to find friends or business connections instead.