McHenry Chamber of Commerce hosted an event called ‘Never Eat Alone’ on Friday, Apr. 4 at Toast and Roast.
The Chamber of Commerce has hosted events like these all over McHenry since 2008. Attendees mostly go to network out their small businesses, as well as meet people who may be interested in working together.

The McHenry Chamber of Commerce gathered at Toast and Roast, which is a local coffee shop that offers a wide variety of drinks, toast, bagels, and breakfast sandwiches, for this month.

“The purpose of Never Eat Alone is to bring local businesses together to network in more of a casual atmosphere while also supporting the local establishment in which we host the event at,” says organizer, Kelsey Adams. “We change up the business every month and try to include all of the current chamber businesses who offer food.”

As well as supporting small businesses, this event draws positive attention to local restaurants.

The organization meets at restaurants, hoping people feel more comfortable to talk and interact with other attendees over food.

“It’s an event that we consider an “ice breaker” for networking,” Adams says. “Networking over food makes people feel more comfortable and less nervous.”

Over the last 3 years, the average attendance of these events has gone up.

“The total has gone up the last 3 years and we average about 30 people each event,” says Adams. “This number is forecasted to continue rising throughout the future, especially with positive media coverage.

Lauren Alexander, an employee at Toast and Roast in McHenry shares her excitement to host this event for the very first time.

“I love meeting new people in the community,” Alexander says. “People should attend to get to know the other people in your community and to be an active participant.”

Anyone can attend these events, and are encouraged to. Sharing ideas over food and making new friendships can be supportive in many ways, and this organization is working hard to create a tight-knit community, as well as rising businesses.

“People coming together to enjoy some food goes way back in history. It’s just a great way to spend time together,” Alexander says.

She shares her excitement to see people in the community working together to promote their businesses and network together in a comfortable environment.

Events like these are great opportunities. Whether you’re looking for new partners or new friends, or just need a bit of company, look out for these events, which take place at a new business in McHenry the first Friday of every month.