Today we’d like to introduce you to Randi Milton.
Hi Randi, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
After spending many years operating a neighborhood café, I felt ready to take the leap into business ownership. The opportunity to build something alongside my sister, Maria, was especially appealing, and the timing felt right. We spent months conducting informational interviews, researching the industry, and brainstorming what kind of business we wanted to create. Ultimately, we decided that a mobile café would give us the flexibility and community connection we were looking for.
From the beginning, we knew that building a strong and memorable brand was just as important as serving great coffee. We partnered with a talented creative team to develop the Rossana brand, which is reflected throughout our menus, merchandise, vehicles, and overall guest experience.
Once we found our adorable vintage truck, the next challenge was deciding where to park her. We focused on neighborhood parks, community gathering spaces, and high-foot-traffic locations where people could stop by on their way to the Metro, after school drop-off, or before a visit to the local library. Those early pop-ups helped us establish the “Happy Little Coffee Routine” that has become such an important part of our identity.
As Rossana has grown, so have our partnerships and community involvement. We’ve hosted clothing swaps, plant swaps, and art pop-ups, and have been fortunate to participate in family festivals, music festivals, puppy Halloween celebrations, Earth Day events, Pride celebrations, and countless neighborhood gatherings. What began as a mobile coffee concept has evolved into a platform for bringing people together.
Today, we continue to focus on creating meaningful community connections while serving exceptional coffee, tea, pastries, and sandwiches. Looking ahead, we’re excited to expand our private event and catering offerings and can’t wait to see where the next chapter of Rossana takes us.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It certainly hasn’t been a perfectly smooth road, but that’s part of the adventure. Operating a vintage mobile café requires equal parts hospitality, flexibility, and problem-solving.
On any given day, we might find ourselves repairing a leaky pipe tucked between a wheel well and a water tank, making sure everything is securely strapped down before heading home, or figuring out how to keep espresso equipment at the proper temperature during a freezing Virginia winter. Running a mobile café means that your café is also your vehicle, your workshop, and occasionally your puzzle to solve.
There are always unexpected challenges, but those moments have taught us resilience and creativity. Every repair, adjustment, and late-night troubleshooting session has helped us better understand our business and strengthened our confidence as owners.
At the end of the day, seeing our regulars, meeting new neighbors, and creating a space where people feel welcome makes every challenge worthwhile. The road may have its hills and divots, but we wouldn’t trade the journey for anything.
As you know, we’re big fans of Rossana . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Rossana is a sister-owned mobile espresso experience named in honor of our mother, Rossana. Inspired by her warmth, generosity, and love of bringing people together, we created a business that feels less like a coffee stop and more like a neighborhood gathering place.
At our core, we believe in the power of a “Happy Little Coffee Routine.” Those daily moments of connection—whether it’s greeting a familiar face, meeting a new neighbor, or sharing a conversation over a great cup of coffee—help build stronger, more caring communities. We strive to create a welcoming third space where people feel comfortable, connected, and inspired.
What sets Rossana apart is that we’re more than a mobile café. We actively partner with local libraries, museums, artists, makers, and small businesses to create unique experiences that bring creativity, culture, and a little bit of fun to our neighborhoods. From community art events to local festivals and pop-ups, we love showing up where people gather and helping make those moments memorable.
Our menu features thoughtfully crafted espresso drinks, signature tea beverages, housemade pastries, and fresh European-style baguette sandwiches. We’re especially known for our creative seasonal offerings and housemade flavors that combine quality ingredients with a playful spirit.
What we’re most proud of is the community that has grown around Rossana. Whether we’re serving coffee from our vintage electric truck, our trailer, or a neighborhood pop-up, our goal is always the same: to create meaningful connections, celebrate local culture, and make every guest feel like they belong.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
One thing that surprises people about Rossana is that we’re completely battery-powered. That means no loud, gas-powered generators humming in the background during our services and events.
Shortly after launching, we made the decision to invest in a more sustainable, neighborhood-friendly power system. We love food trucks and mobile concepts, but they often come with one common complaint: they’re loud. We wanted a different experience.
When you visit Rossana, the only sounds you’ll hear are conversations, laughter, and the occasional hiss of steaming milk. The aromas are freshly ground coffee, warm pastries, and toasted breads—not generator exhaust. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference, and it’s one of the ways we create a more welcoming and thoughtful experience wherever we go.
