Roro's Lebanese Food Truck

Roro, 28 years, is the owner of a Food Truck in the DMV Area called Roro’s Lebanese, whose passion for food extends to people. Roro allows people to resonate with how food is more than just something we put in our mouth, it’s something that brings us together. His excitement and attitude reminds us to keep moving forward with out dreams. Below I will link the information on where you can track the location of his Food Truck and more!

Hey mate! How’s your day going? How would you describe yourself and how you feel? What did you do so far?

My day is going great so far!I feel tired and cold and warn down BUT I’m happy! I had a morning doctors appointment then a quick cardio session before I made my way to my kitchen. And now I’m going through emails before jumping in the kitchen for prep for todays food truck run and restaurant service.

Do you have a daily routine? If so, what are some things you incorporate into your daily routine and how do doing those things make you feel?

I do have a daily routine. Typically I start every day early in the gym for cardio. It’s essentially “my cup of coffee” to get my day going. I’m not the biggest fan of actual coffee so morning cardio gets my heart and blood pumping for the days tasks. The morning wake up and workout get my head in a positive and ready space for the day and it usually gets a little smile going before the challenges of the day come at me.

What is your favorite meal? And secrets on how to elevate your food game?

My favorite meal? hmmmmmmmm I love tacos and pizza so anytime those are at the table I’m eating em haha. My secret to elevating your food game is mindfulness. Be more mindful of where you buy your food, who you’re buying it from, what it’s made with, how it will affect your body. Mindfulness is a great general practice in life but especially with your food, it should be a priority.

What is the backstory to Roro’s lebanese?

The backstory to Roro’s is one that started when I was a toddler in the kitchen watching my grandmother make dinner. Lebanese food has always been a part of who I am and a huge part of my family. Mezze (like tapas) is a middle eastern tradition of eating many small plates with lots of good people. So in Lebanese culture a lot of family time and time with friends is spent at the dinner table dipping into the hummus while delving into each others connectedness. So for me food has always been more than just food, its family, its love, its life. One day, after I dropped out of college due to my mental illness, I just decided “fuck it” I’m going to be who I am and do what I love and that’s making food for people. I had a ton of fears. “Will I succeed?” “Will I prove the doubters wrong?” “Can I make a living chasing my dream?” I can’t say I pushed through my fears as much as I didn’t quit. The fears never go away, they just evolve and get a tiny bit easier to manage. But the fears are always there and thats a big motivator to my hustle. I wake up early and I stay up late because I’m aftaid to fail. And that fear of failing, of not making something of myself, of not being able to support my family that drives me to keep working despite the voices in my head telling me lies.

What kind of community (family, friends, environment) did you grow up in and how did that shape who you are today? Did you feel supported to make this dream a reality?

I’m originally from Brooklyn, NY. So I came from a diverse city before arriving to DC. I came from a place of many cultures, ideals, and food. Coming to DC just kept that kid from Brooklyn happy and occupied with plenty to do, see, and eat. I grew up in cities and was raised by my mother, father, and grandmother. I was always loved and always supported. Of course my family has it’s troubles like everyone elses but I never questioned the love I was given and the things I was taught. Now when I decided to drop out of school and become a chef my parents were not the most thrilled. But eventually when I showed them the reality of my dreams they came around haha

How do you feel when you are working and why should be go eat at Roro’s lebanese? What keeps you going and fuels your passion and where do you feel it comes from? Is there an intention behind Roro’s lebanese?

When I am working I feel....happy. Pure happiness. Not that “yeah Im good” mood more that “I feel fucking great!” kind of mood. Don’t get me wrong I really hate the duties of a business owner. From the bills, to accounting, to inventory runs, cleaning the kitchen, and the hours of prep I’m not a fan of but those are necessary for my business. BUT for the few hours a day I get on the kitchen line flowing through orders and interacting with family (i consider all my “customers” family because they are supporting my dream) I am one happy go lucky guy. Nothing beats being in a rhythm with your kitchen staff and just knocking out orders and vibing with people ordering. People should come to Roro’s because at Roro’s your family. As cliche as it sounds, its true. I am always at the shop or on the truck and try my best to make everyone feel loved and appreciated. Because without the support I don’t get to live my dream. So I seriously take it to heart to share that appreciation and good energy to people who come by my shop or food truck. What keeps me going is my work ethic and love for food. My love for food comes from my Lebanese culture and my work ethic comes from my family. My mother and father taught me at an early age that you have to work for what you want. So I work harder everyday to make what I want a reality.

What Advice would you give to younger entrepreneurs? Anything you would tell your younger self?

To all the young entrepreneurs I would say get a thick skin. Not everyone will support or believe in your vision. That’s okay. Its YOUR vision. So if you love it enough and are disciplined enough to do what it takes you will be able to share that vision with everyone else. Lastly I would tell my younger self to not worry, to be happy. Younger me was too uptight and filled with anxiety and self doubt. I would let him know everything’s going to be okay, just keep pushing forward.

Follow the Food Truck! https://www.roroslebanese.com/