{"id":387211,"date":"2026-09-01T14:06:09","date_gmt":"2026-09-01T14:06:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/387211\/"},"modified":"2026-09-01T14:06:09","modified_gmt":"2026-09-01T14:06:09","slug":"save-me-a-seat-meet-tampa-bays-new-community-dinner-parties","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/387211\/","title":{"rendered":"Save Me a Seat: Meet Tampa Bay’s new community dinner parties"},"content":{"rendered":"

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In Tampa Bay, a new movement is helping residents break bread and build connections. \u201cSave Me a Seat,\u201d a collective founded in 2025 by Anika Trotman and Sherlie Mane, is redefining how adults navigate friendships and community engagement.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Born out of a \u201chope and a dream of creating space for cool things to happen in their home city,\u201d the duo has launched a series of dinner parties designed to bridge the gap between strangers and friends.<\/p>\n

The inspiration behind the project is rooted in the social ease often associated with major metropolises.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe infatuation that many have surrounding massive urban cities like New York and Chicago seems to center around how easy it is to meet other like-minded individuals in settings that are fresh and new,\u201d the founders explain. \u201cSherlie and Anika set out to create that same type of environment, right in their own metaphorical backyard\u201d.<\/p>\n

The project\u2019s mission goes deeper than just hosting meals. Anika and Sherlie are intentionally tackling the modern epidemic of social isolation, particularly among younger generations. As the founders note, \u201cThe central goal of this collective soars far beyond the kitchen; the goal is to build a community, and to lower the bar to entry in the process. Gen Z has a loneliness epidemic, and Save Me a Seat aims to help tackle it one dinner at a time\u201d.<\/p>\n

Craft cocktails and friendship<\/p>\n

The partnership itself is a testament to the community they are building. Anika and Sherlie met at the end of 2024 while working on a separate creative project. Recognizing a unique connection, they transitioned quickly from strangers to friends and business partners.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Both bring a wealth of diverse cultural influences to the table: Anika is Guyanese and originally from Hawaii, while Sherlie was raised in New York and Florida with Dominican roots. This compatibility, combined with a shared love for art\/music, craft cocktails, and community, forms the backbone of their work.<\/p>\n

\u201cPulling flavors and culinary techniques from our own respective culinary backgrounds alongside international flair we\u2019ve collected on our travels, we center flavor and fun in the kitchen,\u201d Mane explains.<\/p>\n

Ultimately, the initiative is a \u201csafe space; made for us by us,\u201d guided by the simple, welcoming philosophy that \u201cthere is always room for one more at our table\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>\n

For those looking to connect, the next party is a brunch social<\/a> scheduled for September 9. Interested guests can RSVP via the Save Me a Seat website<\/a> to receive location details.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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