“Table for one” isn't something you're likely to hear in the company of Ross Jones.

Laid off and burnt out in Dallas, Ross knew a change was in order. So he concentrated on one thing that he actively enjoyed - his membership in the DFW chapter of Single Gourmet - and decided to bring that positive experience with him a few hours south, as the president of Single Gourmet Austin.

The concept is delicious, but often difficult to convey. “The Single Gourmet is a social group,” he explains. “It’s not a dating or matchmaking service.” Using food and drink as a common ground, the group organizes events where members can meet to establish new friendships, enjoy stimulating conversation, do a little networking, and maybe even learn a thing or two.

“Our members are generally upscale professionals,” Ross says. “More than half have advanced professional degrees, and as such, they enjoy learning about new things.” Trips to the Austin Museum of Art for docent-led tours, or to restaurants for sponsored scotch and vodka tastings, provide great learning opportunities, and a diverse membership - single adults from all walks of life - ensures a nice mix of conversation.

But learning’s no fun on an empty stomach, so food is an ever-present element, often tailored to the event at hand. “For the museum visits, we’ll have wine and cheese,” Ross offers by way of example. “Or if we go to a baseball game, we’ll do hamburgers.” Travel events can be even more exciting; what better place to chat over genuine Mexican food than in Mexico? Running the gamut from casual outings to more formal affairs, Single Gourmet offers something for all tastes. Ross generally organizes four events a month and is looking to add more.

When planning for the group, says Ross, “I look for a variety of restaurants that typify Austin… no chains. Usually fairly small venues,” ones that can comfortably accommodate the typical turnout. “For restaurants, we usually have between 15 and 25 attendees,” he notes, though a monthly Happy Hour reliably draws 30 or more. Most members try to make it to at least one event per month, which means a high number of familiar faces, an increased social comfort level, and excellent opportunities to fashion new relationships.

As he nears the one-year mark as president and founder of the Austin chapter, Ross is pleased with the group’s success. It’s a full-time job, and he’s the only one on the payroll… but with nearly 150 members, it may not be long before he has to expand. “More established Single Gourmets run at least eight events a month, with lots of travel opportunities,” he explains, and as he builds toward that goal, he’s certain to need a little help.

For now, though, he feels the organization’s success will be best reflected through membership renewals. “As we hit the year mark, that, to me, shows the ultimate in customer satisfaction. That means we’re really meeting their needs.” And with that dedication to his work, his desire for a contented clientele, and his genuine passion for food, it’s a sure bet Ross won’t be dining alone any time soon.