Free Your Mind With Robb & Violeta of Dolcezza - at Tony & Joe’s Seafood Place

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.Chapters00:00 - Introduction03:09 - Launching Dolce and expanding offerings03:18 - Introducing the founders' journey09:03 - The gelato inspiration moment10:04 - Gelato's global expansion trends14:41 - Moving to the U.S. in 200117:01 - Finding personal vision and purpose19:36 - Starting with local farm supplies24:30 - Local brands finding success28:20 - Figuring out my new path31:09 - Helping others in the industry35:12 - Talking about coffee and tea38:14 - What makes it special40:34 - Early expansion and growth plans42:18 - Reflections on growth and evolution48:02 - Chatting with Dolceza founders48:41 - Sharing wisdom and enjoying gelato49:53 - OutroKey TakeawaysPursue Passion FearlesslyCreativity As a Business ModelRooted in CommunityGrowth Beyond the NumbersEvolving Roles & EmpowermentStay Curious, Stay HungryFree Your Mind, Taste the WorldQuotes“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 NellisLocation:https://www.tonyandjoes.com/Robb Duncan:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/violetaandrobb/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/dolcezzagelatoWebsite:https://dolcezzagelato.com/Violeta Edelman:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/violetaandrobb/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/dolcezzagelatoWebsite:https://dolcezzagelato.com/Follow Industry Night:https://www.thelistareyouonit.comFollow Nycci Nellis:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nyccinellisWebsite: https://www.thelistareyouonit.com/Produced by Heartcast Media: http://www.heartcastmedia.com