06/03/2026
Hello beautiful peeps!
It has been a minute! We’ve been burning the candle at both ends trying to get some new projects off the ground—with varying degrees of success 🙂. This week, however, is one to celebrate how far we have come! We just hit our third birthday, and I think in dog years that means we can finally legally drink!
It is important to look back on your success and the people who helped you achieve it. Even when things feel heavy, off-kilter, or just crappy, remember that the mountain you’ve been climbing is not just the step in front of you. Turn around and take a look at the vista you’ve created! Look at the valley you have climbed out of and the row of people behind you pushing you forward. Their faces, smiles, hard work, and love helped you make it this far.
I can give nothing but thanks, love, and my eternal gratitude to all of you who helped us reach this milestone. We could never have become the safe and inclusive space we are today without you. Your presence truly makes Toco what it is; without you, we would be an empty shell. You are the light that fills that void, allowing our nerdy neighborhood rum bar to be the living room we envisioned on day one. So, again, thank you! We love you, and you are why we do this!
On a personal note, this has been quite the journey. I’ve made great new friends, reconnected with old ones, and even lost a few people I thought were friends. I found a new brother whom I love dearly: Connor Payne. We don’t always see eye to eye, but we always see the big picture and share the same desire to make the world a bit more magical. I can’t imagine my life without him in it, and am so excited for the things that we are going to do! I’ve worked with some of the best in the industry, like Ashley—she is a force, and once she fully understands the strength within her, the world better watch out! There’s Liz—I’ve worked with her for well over 10 years, and watching her grow into the amazing mother she is today has been incredible. She is going to be the best nurse! And Mike—he’s new, but you all know him anyway, and I’ve known him for over 20 years! Man, we are old. I’ve also been blessed to find my best friend, partner, and wife, Sara. Not only has she been the voice of Toco for over a year, she’s now slinging drinks behind the stick! I would not be the person I am without her. She pushes me, challenges me, and doesn’t let me rest on any bu****it. I could never thank her enough for choosing me every day! I love you with all of me!
I wish I could call everyone out by name, but you are all family to me. I will work every day to keep Toco a safe and welcoming space for all of you and for the new family we have yet to meet. We love you from the bottom of our hearts, and thank you again for giving us your time.
Much Love,
Dave
🎨: Sara Bellum (Create Cohort)
