A Nice Place to Take Your AI on a Date? New York’s Got That
EVA AI, a relationship-focused chatbot developer, plans to open a pop-up café in New York where customers can dine alone with their AI companions at single-seat tables outfitted with phone stands for their virtual partners. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between virtual and real-world experiences for users of AI companionship apps. Relationship-focused chatbots are becoming increasingly popular, with studies showing a growing trend of emotional attachment to AI—75% of users report turning to bots for advice and connection, and 80% of Gen Z are open to marrying AI. While some experts warn of the ethical implications and risks of normalizing digital intimacy as a substitute for human connection, others see the café as a harmless novelty that could foster community among AI enthusiasts. The AI companion market is rapidly expanding, valued at over $37 billion in 2025 with projections exceeding $550 billion by 2035. Details about the café’s duration and capacity remain unclear, but reservations are limited and a waiting list is open.
