The Stoke is a popular surf-inspired café and fitness studio hailing from Ocean City, Maryland, and opening its second location in downtown Dewey Beach at 1601 Coastal Highway, between Read and McKinley avenues, in late August. Think boutique workout space with a surfer’s vibe, a juice bar, a coffee shop and some killer workout classes. It’s a vibe, and its motto says it all: Coffee, Surf, Sweat, Repeat.
The Stoke was founded by husband-and-wife team Molly and Brendan Wagner, who built the business around the idea that feeling your best starts with taking care of yourself and connecting with others.
“One definition of the word ‘stoke’ is to fuel a fire, and that really resonated with us,” Molly said. “To us, it’s about fueling your body with movement, great coffee and healthy food and surrounding yourself with an amazing community. We wanted to create a space where people leave feeling better than when they walked in.”
Together, they opened the first location in Ocean City when Molly was pregnant with their first daughter in 2024. Now, while pregnant with their second child, they are working toward the opening of their second location in Dewey.
“I guess opening businesses while pregnant is just kind of our thing now,” Molly said with a laugh.
The Stoke sign is already up, and they’re working hard to open the doors of their first Delaware location later this summer.
The fitness studio will offer a variety of options, with five to six classes each day beginning at 5:30 a.m. and continuing into the evening. Offerings will include a Pilates-sculpt fusion class called re(FORM), a strength class called FLEX and a yoga class called FLOW. Members can choose from unlimited memberships, class packages or $30 drop-in classes, making it easy for locals and visitors to join in.
“We wanted to create more than just another workout studio,” Molly said. “Some of the best friendships start after class over a cup of coffee. That’s really what The Stoke is about: bringing people together in a space that feels welcoming, inspiring and fun.”
The café will be open to the public, so no membership is needed to stop in for a cup of coffee or a treat. It will offer specialty coffees and drinks, lattes, smoothies, bowls and toasts. The Dewey location will also feature The Stoke’s growing collection of surf-inspired apparel, including hats, sweatshirts and tees.
To celebrate the opening, The Stoke will release a limited number of “Founding Memberships,” offering exclusive discounted pricing to the first 100 members who join.
Keep an eye on the location as you drive by, and follow The Stoke online at thestokeoc.com and on Instagram and TikTok at @thestoke for updates this month.
Crush Questions:
What are you currently crushing on?
Molly: Definitely our Beach Bonfire Latte. It tastes just like a s’more around a campfire and has been our go-to drink all summer. I look forward to having one every morning.
Favorite restaurant in Coastal Delaware or favorite dish?
Molly: After almost every construction meeting in Dewey, Brendan and I stop at El Gordo in Bethany. It’s become our little tradition during this whole build-out process, and their tacos never disappoint.
Favorite sunset spot or beach activity?
Molly: Right now, my favorite beach activity is just spending the day with our 2-year-old daughter, Leni. Watching her play in the sand, chase the waves and experience the beach has made me appreciate it in a whole new way.
