Just weeks after a devastating warehouse fire brought operations to a halt, Montgomery County-based dessert business Toki Berry is back, serving customers once again and proving that resilience can be stronger than any setback. The dessert spot saw long lines for their berries with their return at last week’s Stoney Glen Market in Potomac.
Founded in Rockville, Toki Berry began after two friends were inspired by a dessert they tried in New York City on Christmas Day. Rather than recreate what they had tasted, they returned home determined to build something entirely their own. “Every recipe, every flavor, and every detail was built from scratch to create an experience people would remember,” the team said.
Even the company’s name reflects that philosophy. In Japanese, “Toki” means a moment in time, while the Korean word “Tokki” means rabbit, inspired by the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland as a reminder that time is precious. “We want every dessert to become a memory, not just a meal.”
Known for its fresh strawberries, Belgian chocolate, homemade mascarpone cream, and handcrafted desserts, Toki Berry quickly gained momentum through festivals, catering, and community events. Customer favorites include the Signature Cup, featuring fresh strawberries, Belgian chocolate, mascarpone cream, crunchy kataifi, and berry crisps, along with the viral Dubai Dream, fresh lemonades, and Dole Whip.
Earlier this year, the business appeared poised for significant growth, with plans to expand catering, attend more festivals and markets, and introduce new seasonal menu items. Then disaster struck.
A warehouse fire destroyed much of the company’s inventory and equipment, forcing operations to stop. During the aftermath, one of the business partners stepped away, leaving the future of Toki Berry uncertain. “We almost walked away too,” the owners tell us. “But something inside me kept saying, keep going and don’t quit. The world doesn’t reward quitters.”
With insurance payments taking longer than expected, the team decided not to wait. “We chose action instead. I believe God gives His toughest tests to His strongest soldiers, and I knew I would regret giving up more than I would regret trying.”
The rebuilding process meant replacing equipment, restocking inventory, and getting back in front of customers as quickly as possible. While the business has returned after about six weeks, the owners say they’re still only operating at about 60% of where they were before the fire. “Everything takes time to rebuild, especially financially.”
Despite the challenges, the comeback has only strengthened the business. “It made us stronger and more resilient. We lost important people in the business, but where there’s a will, there’s a way.” Customers have responded in a big way. Many sought out Toki Berry specifically to support its return, while others shared the company’s story on social media and encouraged friends to visit.
“Hearing people say they’re proud we didn’t give up has meant everything,” the owner said. “Especially since some of the people closest to us told us to quit or do something else. I wasn’t going to let their words affect my motivation to rebuild.”
Today, Toki Berry can once again be found at festivals, catering events, and markets throughout the region, including Stoney Glen Market in Potomac, which the owners say has been instrumental in the company’s return.
Looking ahead, Toki Berry plans to continue rebuilding its momentum, expand into more festivals and catering opportunities, and eventually open a permanent storefront where customers can gather and create memories together. Seasonal menus featuring rotating flavors, homemade creams, and a Belgian hot chocolate program are also in the works.
For now, though, simply being back is a victory. “Toki Berry is proof that resilience is stronger than setbacks,” the owner said. “We are more than a dessert business. We are a reminder to slow down, cherish the people around you, and make every moment count. Thank you for believing in us, supporting us, and helping us write the next chapter of our story.”
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