Before the Roses: A Community Night for Connection at Eden Café in Grand Rapids

Why we keep choosing connection over trends

At Eden Café, some of our favorite moments have come from simply opening our doors and inviting people in — not to sell something, not to rush an experience, but to gather.

One of those moments was our Gumbo Community Night.

What started as a simple idea — sharing a warm meal with our neighbors — turned into one of the most meaningful nights we’ve hosted. People showed up. They lingered. Conversations unfolded naturally. Strangers became familiar faces. And we were reminded, once again, how powerful it is when a space is designed for community first.

That night stuck with us.

It planted a seed.

From an Idea… to a Question

As February approached, we felt that familiar tug again — the desire to create something that brought people together during a season that can feel especially quiet in West Michigan.

Winter in Michigan and the Need for Community

Winter in Michigan is no joke.The days are short. The skies are gray. Social energy tends to dip. And as Valentine’s Day approaches, the loneliness can feel louder — even for people who aren’t necessarily “looking” for anything.

Our first instinct was to try something bold and fun.

Considering a Speed Dating Event Before Valentine’s Day

We started exploring the idea of a speed dating night — maybe the week before Valentine’s Day. The thought was lighthearted and hopeful: What if someone met a date for Valentine’s Day? What if something unexpected clicked?

On paper, it made sense.

But as we talked it through more — with our team, with each other — something felt off.

Why We Pivoted

Speed dating can be fun. It can work. And for many people, it’s exactly what they’re looking for.

But when we sat with it honestly, we realized something important:

It wasn’t fully aligned with who we are.

Creating Environments, Not Outcomes

At Eden, we’ve always been more interested in creating environments, not outcomes.Spaces where connection can happen — but isn’t forced.Moments that feel safe, warm, and human — not transactional.

We didn’t want an event that centered pressure, expectations, or labels.We didn’t want people walking in feeling like they had to perform, match, or leave with something concrete.

What we wanted was simpler — and, honestly, deeper.

Enter: Before the Roses

Before the Roses was born from that realization.

Not as a dating event.Not as an anti-dating statement.But as a community night centered on connection, conversation, and warmth.

It’s a space to:

• Meet new people without expectations

• Share food and drinks

• Sit down for a game

• Have a real conversation

• Or simply be around others during a season that can feel isolating

No apps.No pressure.Just community.

The name itself reflects the heart of it.

Before Valentine’s Day.Before expectations.Before roses bloom.

It’s about planting something small and intentional — connection — and seeing what grows, in whatever form that takes.

Who This Night Is For

Before the Roses is for:

• People who feel the winter slowdown

• Folks who are tired of dating apps

• Anyone craving human interaction without pressure

• Friends, singles, couples, newcomers, regulars — all are welcome

You don’t need to come looking for romance.You don’t need to come with a plan. You don’t even need to talk much if you don’t want to.

You just need to show up.

Why We Keep Doing This

Events like this aren’t about attendance numbers or trends.

They’re about reciprocity.

The same way the Gumbo Night reminded us how powerful community can be, Before the Roses is our way of continuing that conversation — especially during a time of year when it’s easy to feel disconnected.

This is Eden doing what Eden does best:Creating space.Inviting people in.Letting connection unfold naturally.

We can’t wait to gather with you.