A chance encounter at a local Winn-Dixie has inadvertently kickstarted a new way for Zachary residents to find love. It began when a Winn-Dixie employee posted in the "Zachary's Rants & Raves" Facebook group, searching for a customer who had mentioned her eligible son during a recent visit.

The post, made by Claire Cotten, read: 

The message garnered significant attention.

As the story developed, updates were shared within the community. While the mystery son was eventually located, it remains to be seen if love will materialize. However, this incident sparked an idea in local resident Erin Hybart, owner of the "Live in Zachary" page.

Inspired by the Winn-Dixie love connection attempt, Hybart conceived a new Facebook group called "Zachary Singles" while sharing a glass of wine with a friend. "I'm the married lady running a singles group," she laughs, "but I really do have so many single friends. I want to help!" The group aims to help local singles connect in a more authentic way than traditional dating apps allow.

Hybart explained the rationale behind the group: "Dating is hard in this day and age. There are so many apps and it's hard to know if some of these people are actually real. Meet singles in the Zachary area! This groups helps singles connect with other singles!"

The "Zachary Singles" group invites area residents to join and potentially find their match. As the group gains traction, it remains to be seen whether it will lead to successful relationships.

Interested in joining? Head over to facebook and jump on in. One catch though. Erin tells us, "If anyone ends up getting married, I want an invitation!"