Episode Details

In this episode of Industry Night, host Nycci Nellis sits down with Robb Duncan and Violeta Edelman, the founders of Dolcezza Gelato, one of Washington DC’s most beloved culinary brands.

Recorded at the Washington Harbor favorite,Tony & Joe’s Seafood Place, the conversation explores how Dolcezza grew from a single gelato shop in Georgetown to a regional favorite known for its farm-driven flavors and commitment to sourcing from Mid-Atlantic producers.

Since launching in 2004, Dolcezza has expanded to seven locations across the DMV and produces its gelato daily at the Union Market Gelato Factory & Coffee Lab. And yes, they talk about coffee and the ritual of that first teacup.

No surprise with Robb & Violetta, this conversation goes deeper than dessert.

Nycci talks with Robb and Violeta about creativity, sustainability, food culture, farming relationships, and their spiritual philosophy that shapes their approach to hospitality.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction
03:09 - Launching Dolce and expanding offerings
03:18 - Introducing the founders' journey
09:03 - The gelato inspiration moment
10:04 - Gelato's global expansion trends
14:41 - Moving to the U.S. in 2001
17:01 - Finding personal vision and purpose
19:36 - Starting with local farm supplies
24:30 - Local brands finding success
28:20 - Figuring out my new path
31:09 - Helping others in the industry
35:12 - Talking about coffee and tea
38:14 - What makes it special
40:34 - Early expansion and growth plans
42:18 - Reflections on growth and evolution
48:02 - Chatting with Dolceza founders
48:41 - Sharing wisdom and enjoying gelato
49:53 - Outro

Key Takeaways

Pursue Passion Fearlessly
Creativity As a Business Model
Rooted in Community
Growth Beyond the Numbers
Evolving Roles & Empowerment
Stay Curious, Stay Hungry
Free Your Mind, Taste the World

Quotes

“Sometimes you just have to say, this is my life and my vision. Own it fully and stay true to it—that’s where real fulfillment and happiness come from.”- Robb Duncan

“The more I believed in myself and felt confident, the easier it became to find my place in the business.”- Violeta Edelman

“What stood out most was leaning into your passions and letting creativity flow. When you open your mind and think bigger, it shapes not just your work, but your whole life.”- Nycci Nellis

Location:https://www.tonyandjoes.com/

Robb Duncan:
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/violetaandrobb/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/dolcezzagelato
Website:https://dolcezzagelato.com/

Violeta Edelman:
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/violetaandrobb/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/dolcezzagelato
Website:https://dolcezzagelato.com/

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Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nyccinellis
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