If you’ve been experiencing a sense of isolation in recent years, rest assured that you are not the only one. In 2023, the U.S. surgeon general released a report revealing that a significant number of U.S. adults experienced feelings of loneliness, even before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The report highlights the potential physical consequences of loneliness and isolation, including an increased risk of heart disease by 29% and stroke by 32%.
An innovative app called Buffet is dedicated to tackling the issue of loneliness by facilitating connections between users and providing them with convenient suggestions for meeting up with new people (think Tinder and OpenTable). This app aims to streamline the process of meeting new people and finding a place to hang out, making it more convenient and efficient. Buffet strives to assist users in connecting with individuals who share similar interests and goals, whether it be for friendship, romance, or fitness.
Buffet is currently available in Los Angeles, and there are plans to expand to other cities later this year, beginning with New York City.
Buffet CEO Rich Hacking and COO Sean Emery developed the app. Prior to launching Buffet, the duo worked as financial analysts and conceived the idea for the app while on a business trip to Dubai.
“We began discussing this idea and realized there was potential.” Hacking informed Eltrys. We noticed the widespread issue of loneliness and recognized the demand for a fresh solution in the market. The established leaders have shown a lack of innovation in the past decade. There was a clear opportunity for disruption. So we took deliberate steps and began constructing the buffet.
When getting started with Buffet, users are asked to provide five of their interests, such as motorcycles, horseback riding, or reading. The app then presents a set of five questions to gain deeper insights into their personalities and preferences regarding places and people of interest.
Buffet’s algorithm pairs users in a professional manner. Interested individuals can extend an invitation to their matched partner. The matched pair can then communicate with each other through the app to discuss and finalize a suitable time and date for their meeting. Buffet aims to foster meaningful face-to-face interactions, providing individuals with the chance to converse and acquaint themselves with each other. Buffet emphasizes the importance of face-to-face interactions and urges individuals to move beyond virtual communication and connect in person.
If there’s a match with someone, users have the option to select from a variety of alternative meeting places that may be more appealing than the app-suggested location. Users have the option to refresh and match with someone else if they are not interested in their match partners.
Buffet focuses on connecting with the age group most affected by the loneliness epidemic: those between the ages of 18 and 25. The app also aims to appeal to individuals in their late 20s to early 30s who are in the professional world. Hacking believes that if Buffet can win over the average 25-year-old female professional, it can win over anyone.
“The app will be available for free for the foreseeable future,” Hacking stated. We aim to impress and attract users. We aim to establish credibility, and currently, as we analyze the market, individuals are feeling disillusioned by the abundance of paywalls.
Regarding the app’s business model, Buffet plans to utilize advertising. The company intends to establish an in-app community forum where local businesses can directly advertise to users and promote happy hours and other discounts.
The app is currently only available on iOS, but the company has plans to launch an Android app in the future.
