New Yorkers tired of dating apps and social media now have a new way to reconnect with their missed love connections. Romer Hell’s Kitchen, a boutique hotel in Manhattan, has introduced an old-school “Missed Connections” board. This initiative, inspired by Craigslist’s classic missed connections section, has quickly become a hit among locals.
How It Works
Since January, the hotel has been displaying love notes in its lobby window, giving people a chance to reconnect with someone they encountered briefly but never got the chance to talk to. Some of these notes describe encounters at local markets, on subway platforms, or in coffee shops. One story even tells of a man who paid for a woman’s subway fare after her Apple Pay failed, sharing a smile before walking away.
The Person Behind the Idea
Briar Rose DeTomasso, known as the “Mayor of the Block” at Romer Hell’s Kitchen, is the creative force behind this romantic project. She wanted to bring back the old-fashioned way of finding love through written messages, much like how people once placed ads in the Village Voice or Craigslist. According to DeTomasso, young New Yorkers are craving in-person connections, and this initiative gives them a chance to experience romance outside of dating apps.
Growing Popularity
The board was first introduced on January 28 in the hotel’s lobby, which faces a busy pedestrian street near 52nd Street. It quickly gained attention, leading to a partnership with Missed Connections NYC, an online platform that now contributes submissions from the West Side.
“There’s something unique about catching a glimpse of someone on the street and feeling a connection, even if just for a moment,” DeTomasso said. “It’s a very New York thing.”
A Gathering Spot for Love Stories
The missed connections board features stories from various NYC locations, including Union Square Park and the Myrtle-Wyckoff train station in Brooklyn. The submissions range from compliments on someone’s shoes to descriptions of stylish yet shy individuals. While no confirmed reunions have happened yet, DeTomasso promises that any successful matches will be treated to a dinner at Romer’s speakeasy piano bar, So-and-So’s, along with a stay at the hotel.
Submissions Still Open
New Yorkers can continue to submit their missed connections online through mid-March. However, due to its growing popularity, DeTomasso is considering extending the project indefinitely. “The more stories I receive, the more I want to keep this going,” she said. “It could become an ever-evolving part of our hotel.”
More Than Just a Dating Board
Beyond the missed connections initiative, Romer Hell’s Kitchen hosts other community events like speed dating nights at its piano bar and vintage markets featuring local vendors. However, none have received as much enthusiasm as the love note board.
DeTomasso believes this initiative reflects the times. “Meeting people in person and dating locally has become a novelty,” she said. “We hope this board encourages people to take a chance and maybe find love at their neighborhood bar.”
