Meet Juan Jose Da Silva | CEO & Chef

We had the good fortune of connecting with Juan Jose Da Silva and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Juan Jose, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always wanted to have my own business because I didn’t see myself working for someone else. More than that, I wanted to create opportunities for others. When I started thinking about what kind of business to open, I knew I wanted to do something I was passionate about. I love ice cream, but I also wanted to make it a unique experience. That’s when I came up with the idea of making fresh rolled ice cream right in front of customers, allowing them to create their own flavors. It was the perfect mix of creativity, entertainment, and great dessert!

What should our readers know about your business?
Rolling Zone Creamery is more than just an ice cream shop—it’s an experience. What sets us apart is that we make our ice cream fresh from liquid right in front of our customers, allowing them to create any flavor combination they can imagine. It’s interactive, fun, and gives people a chance to enjoy something truly unique.

I’m most proud of the fact that we’ve built a place where families and friends can come together, share laughs, and create memories. Seeing the joy on our customers’ faces when they watch their ice cream being made and take that first bite is incredibly rewarding.

But getting here wasn’t easy. When I started, I faced a major language barrier, which made it difficult to communicate with the city and get the necessary permits. We also had issues with our initial business plans, forcing us to start over with a new designer. On top of that, some of the machines we first purchased didn’t work, so we had to reinvest before even opening. Despite these challenges, I stayed focused, kept pushing forward, and learned valuable lessons along the way.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that perseverance is key. Starting a business will always come with obstacles, but if you truly believe in what you’re building and stay determined, you’ll find a way to make it work.

At the end of the day, Rolling Zone Creamery is about more than just ice cream—it’s about bringing people together, creating a fun and welcoming environment, and giving our customers a treat they’ll never forget. That’s the heart of our brand, and I want the world to know that we’re here to make every visit a special one.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d make sure they get the full experience of what I love about this area. Of course, we’d start with dessert at Rolling Zone Creamery so they can try the best ice cream made fresh right in front of them.

For a great meal, I’d take them to Kincaid’s at Redondo Beach Pier—their lobster bisque is amazing, and the ocean views make it even better. When it comes to drinks, I’m not a fan of crowded places, so I’d take them to San Pedro Brewing Company. They have a great selection of craft beers and a big space where you can actually enjoy the experience.

Since I love fishing, we’d definitely spend a day out on a fishing trip, whether off the pier or on a boat. It’s a great way to relax and enjoy the ocean. And to wrap up the trip, we’d visit Griffith Observatory at night. It’s a beautiful spot to see the city lights and take in the stars—definitely a must-see in L.A.

Overall, I’d make sure they get a mix of great food, fun activities, and some of the best views in the area while spending quality time together.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely! I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my family. My wife, Mishell Flood, has always been by my side, especially during the toughest moments. She kept me motivated and never let me give up on my dream. My mom, Liliana Barker, also played a huge role in making this dream come true—her belief in me and her support were invaluable. I also want to give credit to my team—without them, Rolling Zone Creamery wouldn’t be what it is today. They work hard every day to bring our vision to life and create an amazing experience for our customers. Lastly, I want to thank our community for embracing us and making our shop a place where people can come together and enjoy something special.

Website: https://www.rollingzonecreamery.com

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

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/rolling-zone-creamery-lawndale-3