When Troy Karnoff moved from Long Beach, Calif., to Chicago almost six years ago, he barely knew anyone; also, the few friends he knew, they too traveled regularly. But a brunch club ultimately brought everyone together.
The simple idea has blossomed into the Big Gay Brunch Club, formed in April 2009, in which Karnoff and friends joke around, chow down and test out local restaurants.
They've had brunch at the House of Blues and the rooftop bar, Vertigo, at the Dana Hoteland everyone dressed in robes for that one, provided by the hotel.
"I just posted a fan page on Facebook [for the Big Gay Brunch Club] and asked people to join. I now have over 800 members," Karnoff said. "The worst part of managing the brunch is if it gets too big."
The group gets together once a month, on a Sunday. They have dined at Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club in Lakeview, and Tapas Las Ramblas in Andersonville is one of the group's favorite stops. Brunches range from 25 to 100-plus people.
"This is a GLBT networking group to meet new people in the Chicago [gay] community," said Karnoff, who serves as the brunch organizer. "They are a great time, fun to mingle at, and just purely social."
And yes, several have found their significant others at the Big Gay Brunch Club. Karnoff said he knows of at least three couples that are now together after meeting at the brunch. It also has led to business opportunities for some, he said.
"The Big Gay Brunch Club has introduced me to several great brunch locations that I would have never known about and to a countless amount of new friends," said Dougie Collins of Chicago, who has eaten with the Brunch Club about 20 times, which he labeled as "Great food, great drink, zero attitudeand just a wonderful way to kick off any Sunday Funday."
THE STATS
Age: 44
Neighborhood: Rogers Park
Job title: Consultant for Arbonne
Hobbies: Volleyball and skiing
Favorite local restaurant: MorseL
Favorite movie: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
Favorite TV show: New Girl
Must-have for an awesome brunch: "Bottomless mimosas [laughs]; I guess I would say eggs."