DishCourse on Positively Charlotte: How People are Making Friends at Dinner Parties for Strangers

In a recent interview with Liza Mahachek on Positively Charlotte, I had the pleasure of sharing the DishCourse story and the exciting new directions we’re taking to help people connect in Charlotte. For those unfamiliar, DishCourse is more than just dinner parties for strangers – it’s a unique experience designed to bring people together over food, fostering genuine friendships based on shared interests and authentic connections.

In this blog, I’m diving deeper into the key takeaways from my conversation with Liza and highlighting the vision behind the new format we’re rolling out for the community.

A New Format: $15 Tickets for the Same Amazing DishCourse Experience

At DishCourse, we’ve always aimed to make it easy for people to meet others in an intimate, engaging environment. Whether it’s through a dinner party, a creative event, or simply sharing a meal at a local restaurant, we’ve designed every experience to focus on building meaningful friendships.

During my chat with Liza, we introduced an exciting update to our format that’s designed to give people more flexibility while still delivering that signature DishCourse vibe. Our new $15 tickets provide guests with a more casual, customizable experience without sacrificing the connection-building magic we’re known for.

Here's the big change: instead of having a fixed menu at every event, guests will now have the freedom to choose from the full restaurant menu. That’s right – your $15 ticket includes the same fun and interactive DishCourse experience, but you’ll have the ability to choose exactly what you want to eat and drink from the restaurant’s regular offerings.

This new format reflects the feedback we’ve received from our guests. People wanted more options, and we listened! Now, whether you’re in the mood for a burger, a salad, or something off the chef’s special menu, the choice is entirely yours. What’s important, though, is that everyone still gets to enjoy the authentic connections that make DishCourse events so special.

Why We Do What We Do: Creating Real Connections

A key theme of my conversation with Liza was the idea that making friends as an adult can be incredibly challenging. It’s so easy to get caught up in digital algorithms and endless scrolling through apps, yet those connections often feel shallow or fleeting. At DishCourse, we believe in a more meaningful approach.

We’re not relying on dating apps, social media trends, or random groupings of people. We’re about creating authentic, face-to-face connections where people meet based on shared interests, threads, and a true desire to build lasting friendships.

Every DishCourse event includes professional hosting, where I or one of my team members guides the group through icebreakers, games, and activities designed to get people talking, laughing, and bonding over the experience. We take the stress out of the process of meeting new people by providing that little extra nudge – something that’s especially important for those of us who aren’t naturally outgoing.

One of the things I highlighted during my interview was how we go beyond the surface level to ensure the connections are real. We’re not just bringing people together for a meal – we’re creating a space for authentic, meaningful conversation. By offering small, curated events, we help facilitate deeper connections in ways that large group settings or impersonal apps simply can’t.

What Makes DishCourse Different?

During the interview, Liza asked me what sets DishCourse apart from other social events or meet-ups. It’s a great question, and the answer is simple: the experience.

DishCourse is designed with intention. Every detail, from the small-group setting to the professional hosts, is aimed at making guests feel comfortable and open to meeting new people. The evenings are carefully crafted to create lasting memories. And whether you’re attending a dinner party, a wine night, or any other event, you’re not just there for the food – you’re there for the shared experience of connecting with others.

But we also understand that in a busy world, time is precious. That’s why we’ve made it as easy as possible to attend our events. We’ve streamlined the ticketing process, providing flexibility and a low-risk way to meet new people without committing to something huge and overwhelming.

Another key difference is the inclusion of handmade gifts for each guest. These thoughtful touches not only make the event feel personal, but they also leave everyone with a tangible memory of their time at DishCourse.

Building Community Beyond Events

While our events are a wonderful starting point for connections, what really sets DishCourse apart is the community that we’re building beyond the events themselves. We understand that making lasting friendships takes time, and that’s why we’re proud to offer our guests access to private social groups on Facebook, Discord, and WhatsApp. These groups are designed to keep the conversation going long after the event is over.

We also host exclusive meet-ups and offer ongoing opportunities for our community members to gather and bond. As a result, our guests don’t just walk away with a few new acquaintances – they leave with a new circle of friends and a support network in Charlotte.

Why It Matters: The Impact of DishCourse in Charlotte

The most fulfilling part of what we do at DishCourse is hearing the stories of how our guests’ lives have been changed. From people who’ve moved to Charlotte and don’t know anyone to those who’ve simply felt disconnected from their community, DishCourse has given people the opportunity to create relationships that matter. It’s not just about adding names to a contact list – it’s about building friendships that truly enrich lives.

As we continue to grow, I’m excited about the future of DishCourse. The flexibility we’re offering with our new $15 tickets and the ongoing emphasis on community-building will allow us to reach even more people who are looking to connect in Charlotte. We’re not just hosting events – we’re shaping the future of social connection in our city.

A Final Thought: DishCourse is More Than Just a Dinner Party

In the end, it’s about so much more than just a dinner party with strangers. It’s about building the community we all need. As I discussed with Liza on Positively Charlotte, DishCourse is about facilitating the kinds of relationships that make a real impact on people’s lives. When you come to a DishCourse event, you’re not just there to eat – you’re there to connect with others in a way that feels genuine, exciting, and fulfilling.

Thank you to Liza Mahachek and Positively Charlotte for having me on the show. I hope this interview helps bring awareness to what DishCourse stands for and inspires more people in Charlotte to come out, meet new friends, and experience the power of shared meals and meaningful conversations.

Ready to join us? Check out our upcoming events!