The dream

Imagine what you can do if you do what you imagine. 

Two years ago, we stood on a precipice in the highlands of Costa Rica looking out on Arenal Volcano. That moment changed our trajectory. After 20 years of imagining running a hospitality business together, we are now on the precipice of doing it. Our purpose is threefold: to be a business that creates community, a family that serves the community, and hosts who honor Costa Rica and provide a sense of home for travelers. Our goal is to be woven into the fabric of Nuevo Arenal for the next 20 years, to build a life and share that life with people like you. When we look back and tell our son that we gave this dream our best shot, you will be part of this story. 

What is Toucan Lane?

We are raising funds to purchase and launch Toucan Lane as our family business. Currently for sale, Toucan Lane is a property and turnkey bed and breakfast, restaurant, and gift shop. The property overlooks Lake Arenal and is located near Nuevo Arenal and major tourism hubs that attract millions of people each year. The five-room bed and breakfast is thriving with repeat customers and high occupancy rates, over 90% December – April. The restaurant is a center-point for travelers and residents, hosting pop-up events that feature and support local artists, teachers, and chefs. There is high demand for exceptional food and cocktails year-round and the market is not saturated. With over 15 years of experience in the restaurant industry, David has dreamed of running an exceptional restaurant that matters to people, and Toucan Lane aligns with his vision. 

The current owners of Toucan Lane, in their 60s, left completely different careers in Canada to live in a country they fell in love with. They have renovated Toucan Lane with care and have cultivated community and a strong reputation. We want to continue this legacy. The business is viable, prepared, and positioned to grow. We plan to live on the property and commit ourselves to the day-to-day operations of the business.

Who we are

We have been friends for 23 years, 10 as husband and wife. From very different backgrounds, we are a powerful combination. Working in film, government, and philanthropy, Virginia has a keen aesthetic sensibility, strategic vision, and 20 years of project leadership experience. Working front and back of house for 15 years, David is a talented chef with a business education and an authentic presence with anyone he meets. 

David’s diverse accomplishments in the hospitality industry position us to uphold excellence in all aspects of our restaurant. Formative years at Starbucks laid the groundwork for David’s career in the Baltimore and New York dining scenes making positive change with people. He has spent years running front and back of house at multiple restaurants. For three years, he led operations at a thriving neighborhood tapas restaurant, curating an acclaimed cocktail program that garnered City Paper’s prestigious “Best New Restaurant” accolade. Alongside acclaimed MasterChef Jennifer Behm, David designed and catered exclusive culinary events along the east coast. He played integral roles in the launch of two Baltimore dining venues, as opening chef and lead front-of-house manager. Beyond the traditional, David has led innovative pop-up series, including Food Equals Art, menus paired with the works of local artists. 

Drawing from David’s creativity and wealth of experience, we will curate a dining experience that honors the flavors of Costa Rica. We are committed to sourcing ingredients locally, forging partnerships with farmers, fishermen, and artisans as extended family. For travelers, our intention is that each meal becomes a cherished memory against the backdrop of birdsong and breathtaking landscapes.

For us, life centers on creating experiences that bring people joy. David does this through food, the table, and his unshakable ability to meet strangers in conversation authentically. Virginia does this through longer-term vision and strategies that create order, stability, and a sense of home. Elijah does this as he spontaneously hugs a child or says hi to strangers who look sad. Together, we want to show up for each person in ways that leave a mark on their path, whether they are passing through on an adventure or have looked upon Arenal Volcano for decades.

Risks and challenges

We cannot move to purchase Toucan Lane without raising additional funds to start up the business responsibly. If we do not move forward with purchasing Toucan Lane, all funds that you donate will go towards a similar business model. Donors will receive regular updates of our plans and progress. If you have questions or ideas, please contact us at hello@thebersches.com.

Why crowdfunding?

With our family assets, we can get over halfway there to financing purchase and start up costs. Since this business will be our life and home, and we are not seeking to expand or make an overwhelming profit, crowdsource funding aligns with our circumstances and goal. In addition, we are hoping for a large scale investor to reach our total goal of $150,000. We have raised $20,000 to date, continue to seek an investor, and are turning to this community to raise $50,000 in two months. Whether $5 or $500, every dollar is an investment in hope. 

We are all in. Virginia has just returned from Toucan Lane, spending time learning the business from the owners. We are in touch with lawyers, shippers, banks, and community members raising young children in the region. We are selling our house in Baltimore and gathering our assets to purchase Toucan Lane this year.