The concept for speed dating is not a new one. Social clubs around the United States offer the pressure-free meet and greets to singles ready to mingle. Usually, ladies sit at a table and the gentlemen get a set amount of time to strike up a conversation with each woman. At the end of the time limit, the men move on to the next woman. At the end of the night, participants list the people they are willing to share their contact information with. If both people are mutually interested, they exchange phone numbers.

 Scabia’s concept for speed dating tweaks the idea a little, and participants at Two Minute Match get only two minutes to talk to each potential match.

“Two minutes can seem like a long time for someone who is shy. But I believe that it only takes 30 seconds to decide if you like someone or not,” Scabia said.

The other twist on the Two Minute Match version of speed dating is that singles will confidentially mark “yes” or “no” to each of their dates. The next day, they will get an e-mail with the names, photo, and contact information for all of their matches. If someone marks “no,” then their information is not shared with that date.

“Speed dating really reduces that intimidation of rejection,” Scabia said.

Scabia and Mendoza believe that their speed dating service will give area singles an alternative to meeting partners at a bar or online. Scabia said that she spent a lot of time in her 20s lamenting the lack of nightlife in the area. She did meet single guys, but it was only through going to a lot of different places around the area.

“Really, meeting single people in our area takes hard work and the same old thing can get, well, old,” Scabia said.

The first Two Minute Match speed dating event will take place the evening of Feb. 24 at Chevy’s in Modesto. For $40 participants will get a free margarita, speed dates, and matching service. Two Minute Match hopes to get 30 men and 30 women pre-registered for the event.  This event will be opposite-gender dates only between the ages of 24 and 37. Future events might include gay and lesbian dating if there is enough interest. Scabia also hopes to expand into niche dating markets. For example, a Christian single’s night or an over 40 night.

Scabia hopes to get Two Minute Match’s website up and running in the next week or so, but for now interested participants can e-mail twominutematch@yahoo.com for more information or to register.