Pick Up More Than Just Groceries at H-E-B’s Speed Dating Event in Austin
Transforming Grocery Shopping into Social Events
Taking initiatives to create a community setting, the H-E-B grocery store located at Mueller is whipping up something more potent than just their usual groceries. In what seems to be a first for the grocery store chain, H-E-B is now pitching in to help singletons find love while they shop, with a uniquely themed “rapid romance” speed dating event.
The Spirited Venture
An attempt to blend grocery shopping and social mingling, H-E-B’s speed dating event is set to take place at the Bar at Mueller, a vendor nestled within the store’s food hall. Catering to the age group of 30-45, the event is priced at $12. The entrance fee interestingly includes complimentary snacks and a drink. However, an exclusive $2 discount is offered to those who purchase their tickets in advance during their routine grocery shopping.
Enthusiastic Response
Soon after the store began advertising the event through flyers, community coordinator Jessy de Perez reported that there had been a massive influx of queries from eager shoppers curious to know more about the event. Although the initial anticipated spectator number was modest, somewhere between 20 to 25, the response has caused the organizers to anticipate a larger crowd now.
Welcome Initiative in Austin
With Austin bustling with young people looking to connect and grow together with that special someone, de Perez believes that the city is just the right place to conduct such an innovative event. The success of this event could pave the way for more such community-driven initiatives in the future, possibly including events for other age groups.
Much More than a Grocery Store
H-E-B’s innovative venture is seen as an excellent step towards transforming the grocery store into a center for community activities. Already hosting trivia nights and live music, the addition of dating events to its roster is yet another way H-E-B is trying to reinvent the shopping experience.
One-Stop Solution for Shopping and Socializing
In a quote from de Perez, she mentions how this initiative is just another demonstration of their creative bartenders’ attempts to bring the community together. She jests that through events like these, H-E-B patrons can now find their groceries along with potential mates, all under one roof.
A Unique Community Initiative
While unique, the speed dating event at H-E-B has garnered much enthusiasm and positivity from the Austin community. Whether this innovative blend of socializing and shopping will be a lasting trend, only time will tell. But for now, if one is in the Austin area, dropping by the H-E-B at Mueller might serve as more than just a grocery pit-stop.