James and I (Sarah!) have known each other since Shannon College of Hotel Management. I grew up in pubs and restaurants—this world has always been second nature to me. The rhythm of service, the buzz of busy kitchens, the magic of creating spaces where people belong.  We used to talk late into the night about our dream of owning our own place. Life had other plans first though—as it always does. Jobs came and went, two gorgeous kids arrived, and the years flew by in that beautiful chaos of family life. But we never stopped dreaming. Then 2022 hit us with a curveball. I was diagnosed with cancer, and suddenly everything shifted into sharp focus. After battling through treatment, we looked at each other and realized—if we don’t chase this dream now, we’ll always wonder “what if?“ We weren’t sure exactly what shape our dream would take, but we knew it had to be about community. A place that could grow and evolve, where people could gather, where connections happen over great coffee and good food. Then we found the perfect spot for Toast Stores. We threw everything we had at it which included our life savings, crossed our fingers, and somehow made it happen. Late nights, early mornings, paint-stained clothes, and more cups of coffee and glasses of wine than we care to remember. But here we are. This place exists because community and people are at its absolute heart. We’re here to serve incredible coffee, amazing food, and to create a space built on kindness, warmth, and looking out for one another. Toast Stores is evolving and will keep growing—and we want you to be part of that journey. Your presence, your stories, your friendship all matter in shaping what this place becomes. That’s our story. Now you’re part of it too. Welcome to Toast Stores.