Meet Roula Labbad of DateCleveland

Today we’d like to introduce you to Roula Labbad.

Hi Roula, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Our story began with a simple frustration: dating apps. We were tired of endless swiping, ghosting, and the lack of genuine human connection. My partners and I believed there had to be a better way to meet people, so we decided to create it ourselves.

We started DateCleveland in 2023 with one mission: to bring singles together in real life through fun, approachable events. What began as a few small gatherings quickly turned into a vibrant community spanning multiple cities. We’ve hosted everything from speed dating to game nights to themed mixers, all designed to help people connect face-to-face without pressure.

Today, DateCleveland continues to grow as more people discover the joy of meeting offline. We’re passionate about creating spaces where singles feel welcomed, encouraged, and excited to build meaningful connections.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. One of our biggest challenges was launching a new concept at a time when many people were hesitant about in-person events. Building trust and showing that our gatherings were safe and welcoming took time.

We also had to overcome the perception that singles events are awkward or outdated. It required a lot of creativity to design experiences that felt modern, inclusive, and genuinely fun.

Finally, growing into multiple cities while maintaining the same level of quality and personal connection has been both rewarding and demanding. But each challenge has pushed us to keep improving and stay focused on our mission.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about DateCleveland?
DateCleveland is a modern singles event organization that specializes in creating fun, approachable experiences for people who want to meet offline. We host everything from casual mixers and speed dating to themed parties and interactive game nights across Cleveland’s best venues.

What sets us apart is our focus on making dating feel natural again. Instead of awkward setups or high-pressure situations, our events are designed to feel like a night out with great people—where connections can happen organically. We put a lot of care into the details, from icebreaker activities to venue atmosphere, so our guests feel comfortable and excited to participate.

We’re most proud of the community we’ve built. We’ve helped countless singles form friendships, relationships, and memories that would never have happened behind a screen. Our brand stands for authenticity, inclusivity, and the belief that dating should be fun.

If you’re tired of swiping and ready to meet people face-to-face, DateCleveland offers a refreshing alternative that’s all about real connection.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I definitely couldn’t have done this alone. My partners have played a huge role in building DateCleveland from the ground up. Their ideas, hard work, and dedication have shaped every part of what we do. I’m also incredibly grateful to my family and friends who have been constant supporters and cheerleaders along the way. Their encouragement and belief in our mission kept me motivated through every challenge.

Pricing:

• $25 per ticket for each event

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/datecleveland?igsh=MTh0c3hkdDdteDViZQ==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1FvFYLPm49/?mibextid=wwXIfr