About Tocororo
Our Story
Our story began in the heart of Detroit’s Eastern Market with a simple vision shared by partners David and Connor, but it has since blossomed into a thriving, dedicated family committed to our community-first values. We have cultivated a dynamic "third space"—a sanctuary that is neither home nor work, but a welcoming "living room" for the neighborhood where human connection is reclaimed. This collective strength is the core of what we do, where each member brings unique talents to build an inclusive gathering spot combining sound, games, art, and color.
Our family makes the pillars of this vision. Dave anchors the culinary and operational spirit in the kitchen, ensuring every meal fosters a sense of home and belonging. Meanwhile, Sara, Liz, and Ashley provide the crucial hospitality and "radical inclusivity" that define our atmosphere, ensuring every guest feels the immediate warmth of neutral ground. Our growth is further fueled by Don and "Other Dave," who expertly manage the Offworld Arcade partnership and curate our premier pinball collection, transforming "play" into a collaborative experience. Connor rounds out this leadership by driving our beverage innovation; his expertise has shaped our seasonal cocktail lists and established what is Michigan’s best Rum program, further cementing our space as a destination for quality and craft.
Through this shared dedication, we are looking to grow beyond these four walls and bring this "living room" closer to you by opening more third spaces each year. These environments are specifically designed to help more people find genuine togetherness, ensuring that the magic of our collective spills out into the streets and continues to foster a true community fellowship.
Our Team
What started as a team of two has grown into a dedicated family of five, all united by a shared goal: caring for our community. Over the last few years, we have expanded our team to ensure we can better serve yours. While Connor and I (David) typically lead the kitchen, and Ashley and Liz manage the bar and front-of-house operations, you will often find Sara engaging with the neighborhood through our art and social media. Regardless of our specific roles, every member of our family is ready to step in wherever needed to support our community. It truly takes a family to create a welcoming living room for everyone, and Connor and I are always here to welcome you home. Much love!
Our Vibe
Our team believes that gathering over food and drink is truly magical, especially in a world where these moments have become so rare. We work together with a shared purpose: to curate a vibrant gathering spot for Detroit where sound, games, art, and color converge to spark connection. By blending a sensory-rich environment with a dedication to our community, we aim to create a space where everyone helps one another navigate the changing dynamics of our city. As we grow, our collective goal remains to serve and support our friends, family, and neighbors, ensuring our community remains comfortable, connected, and resilient.
Our Future
For us, getting together over good food and drinks is a big deal. Real moments of connection feel harder to find these days, so we’ve made it our mission to create lively spaces where music, games, art, and bright colors help people truly bond. We build these sensory playgrounds for you, creating safe harbors where friends and family can look out for each other as life changes. As we grow, we want to make sure our neighbors and loved ones feel supported, keeping our community close-knit and safe for everyone.
We’re carrying this tradition forward like a magical Vardo wagon rolling through the night, its lanterns glowing to guide anyone needing the warmth of a shared fire and a kind word. We’re all just looking for a place to belong, and we’re dedicated to building a family of people who care about making real memories together. This isn’t just a goal for us—it’s a promise to provide a home for anyone still searching for their spot under the stars.
We want to be more than just a place you pass through; we want to be your reliable refuge, a steady anchor in a world that never stops moving. Whether you’re just dropping by for a bit or you’ve been part of our family for years, you’ll always find the same warm welcome waiting for you.
At the heart of everything is our commitment to building and protecting our community. It’s not a finish line we cross, but a daily journey of nurturing friendships, supporting local causes, and making sure our doors are open to everyone looking for a connection. We see our community as a living, breathing thing that grows stronger every time we show up for one other.