While Marlee Newton and Brionna Brouhard might take exception to being called matchmakers, the title is fitting.

The mother and daughter duo, who own and operate the Café Noir in downtown Salem, host two separate monthly events that offer local singles the opportunity to meet, mingle, and perhaps even make that ever-elusive connection known as love.

According to Brouhard, the idea for the events was based on a simple question.

"Mom and I looked around and asked: what does Salem need?" she said.

"We saw that there was a big gap in the whole singles scene, and we thought, we have this café, let’s use it to help fill that need."

So, the pair decided to offer more than food and drinks, and began offering their monthly speed dating and singles mixer events.

Brouhard explained that the two events are very different, but at their heart they offer participants a fun experience in a low-pressure environment with one goal in mind: a chance for people to meet and connect.

Speed dating, which is held the second Wednesday night of every month, is the more expeditious of the two events.

It is a first date compressed into a short time span, using eight-minute rounds to allow people the opportunity to get to know one another.

Men are seated at tables, replete with candlelight, and women move from table to table meeting them.

The participants spend the eight minutes getting to know one another. If the conversation runs dry, there are even ice breaker topics printed on small cards to help the conversation along.

At the end of the evening, participants write the name of anyone they are interested in on an information sheet and if there is a match, Brouhard connects them the next day.

"That way there is no pressure," she said. “If there is a mutual interest, I get them in touch with one another, if not, it avoids an awkward situation."

Matt, a twenty-something single who attended, said that it was a good idea because it saves time as well as money.

"It’s better than a dinner and a movie," he said. "Instead of spending 60 bucks to find out that you don’t like somebody, you find out in eight minutes."

Cathy, a thirty-something professional, said that the event was one that fit into her busy schedule.

“In my profession I work a lot, so it is kind of challenging to get out and meet new people," she said. "For me it is a chance to meet more people than I normally would."

Cafe Noir's singles mixer is more of a laid back affair than speed dating. Held the last Saturday of every month, it offers singles a quiet, relaxed place to simply meet with other singles.

Participants wear name tags that describe their approach, such as "single and looking," "it’s complicated," and others.

According to Tom, a forty-something single, the mixer brings those who might be looking together in a single place.

"Salem is a great town," he said. "But there is a lack of single women and probably single guys too," he said. "All the good ones are already taken and they are all down at Home Depot pulling lumber for their next home project."

Karen, a thirty-something single, said that the mixer was fun because of the setting.

"It’s a relaxed atmosphere in a nice place," she said. "There are some cute guys here, too."

The events are fun for Newton as well as attendees.

"It is proving to be very successful and entertaining," she said. "As the mom, I can stand behind the counter and observe. It is rewarding and it gives me a nice warm fuzzy feeling to look out over the café and see smiles on people’s faces as they enjoy themselves and meet other folks."

According to Brouhard, both events have seen success for searching singles.

"I have seen matches at both events," she said. "I have made multiple contacts in speed dating, and you can see when contact is made at a mixer."

Both events begin at 7 p.m. and there are appetizers served as well. Speed dating costs five dollars and the mixer is free.

For more information you can contact Brionna or Marlee at 503-399-9933, or visit the Café Noir web site at www.ilovecafenoir.com