'7-Minute Yenta' Is Cooking Something Up
by Lisa M. Larranaga, The Leader
June 18, 2004
Susan Esser is a matchmaker, although she prefers "encounter promoter."
Ms. Esser started offering "7 Minute Yenta," a Jewish speed-dating technique, in Bettendorf in
April 2001. Since then, 26 couples who met there have married.
She's hosting a barbecue for all Quad-Cities singles -- even those who don't participate in
7 Minute Yenta -- from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 26, at the Middle Park Bandshell on 23rd
Street, Bettendorf. Food and karaoke will be provided; bring your own beverage.
Ms. Esser said 7 Minute Yenta won't be used at the barbecue; it's just a party where area
singles can relax and meet. More than 300 people attended a similar party last year, she said.
Tickets are $15 and must be purchased by Sunday, June 20, at the Coffee Hound, 3374 Middle Road,
Bettendorf, or by calling Ms. Esser at (563) 355-7644. If not enough tickets are sold, the event
will be canceled and money refunded.
During speed-dating sessions, women sit at tables at The Coffee Hound, and men move from table
to table every seven minutes.
Ms. Esser started the group to meet friends after her husband died. "I try to maintain friendships
with all of my clients," she said.
Besides the 26 couples who have wed (one already has had a baby), several others are engaged.
"There's clients from all different professions and lifestyles," she said. "There's a very
broad range of ages, and the male-to-female ratio is pretty much even."
Even if someone doesn't meet their mate, they still can make friends, Ms. Esser said.
Participants are asked for name, age and phone number, then placed in an age group they're
comfortable with. There's usually eight to 14 singles for each person to meet. The cost is
$25 per session.
Ms. Esser also hosts 7 Minute Sisterhood, designed to get local women together once a month to
develop friendships. She's hosting a high tea for up to 25 women on Thursday, June 24, at Mrs.
McGregor's Cottage, 2219 E. 12th St., Davenport. Tickets, for $17, are available at the cottage.
The menu includes crab spread on homemade bread, apricot scones, tarts, chocolate-covered cherry
cheesecake, bacon-delight tea sandwiches, and tea.
For more information on 7 Minute Yenta, 7 Minute Sisterhood or the barbecue, visit
www.7minuteyenta.com or call (563) 355-7644.
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