Love On Tap founder Jordyn Houseworth is marking the company’s one-year anniversary this Valentine’s week with a run of speed dating events across the Central Valley, including stops in Fresno, Madera, and Visalia.

Houseworth, who started the business after moving to the Bay Area in 2021, said the idea grew out of struggling to make connections outside San Francisco. Living in the East Bay, he said, most dating events were concentrated in the city, and the commute became a barrier.

“Instead of constantly going into the city, I decided to start my own dating events for those who aren’t able to make it all the way into the larger cities,” he said.

Since launching, Love On Tap has hosted events in more than 30 cities, drawing over 1,500 participants and producing “dozens of matches,” Houseworth said. After a Fresno event on Tuesday, this week’s Central Valley schedule is Wednesday at Papi’s in Madera and Thursday at Salty Walrus Brewing in Visalia.

Upcoming events are listed on the company’s Instagram and Eventbrite pages.

About Love on Tap’s Events

Each event runs about two hours, with dates lasting roughly five to seven minutes depending on attendance. Women remain seated while men rotate through the room in a structured format, Houseworth said. Participants receive scorecards at check-in and turn them in at the end of the night, with results emailed the following day.

Attendance and age ranges vary by event and sexual orientation, he said. The youngest groups start at 21, and the oldest has been 50 and over, with some participants in their 70s attending. “Just proving that no matter how old you are, we all need a little love,” Houseworth said.

Houseworth said the events are designed to lower the barrier to meeting people at a time when many singles feel burned out on dating apps. “People are craving in-person connections,” he said, adding that long online conversations that never lead to meeting can be frustrating. “This is great for people who are serious about looking for a connection and willing to put themselves out there.”

He said interest in face-to-face dating has grown because it allows people’s “vibes and energy” to come through immediately. The crowd, he said, is a mix that includes first-time daters, divorced people, and longtime singles. He said he especially enjoys seeing shy or introverted participants try something new. “Dating is already hard and vulnerable, and to do it 10-plus times in one night, and in the middle of a busy business, it’s a lot,” he said. “But it’s such a great way to get out of your comfort zone.”

Practice for Improving Interpersonal Skills

Houseworth described the nights as practice for improving interpersonal and dating skills. While the company is only a year old and has not produced any weddings yet, he said he has heard “great success stories” and that people are taking the initiative to connect after events.

He said Valentine’s Day can motivate singles to participate. “Some people dread being alone for the ‘lovey dovey’ holidays, so it’s a great way to secure a valentine before it’s too late,” he said.

One of the moments that has stood out to him, Houseworth said, is watching patrons at host venues observe the events and then sign up themselves after seeing how they work. He said the format is familiar from television but still surprising to see in the Central Valley, and he has appreciated the community support and the backing of host venues.

As for what people should ask, Houseworth said preferences vary and that heavier topics like children or distance can wait. In the short time available, he encourages lighter conversation to get a sense of personality.

His favorite example: asking about a favorite ravioli filling. He also likes when people ask whether their date has done speed dating before, noting that the answer is often no and can help calm nerves.

“Being in a situation when more than 50% are in the same boat as you adds an element of comfort and allows you to relax a bit,” he said.

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