ServiceRocket’s unique cafe workspace, Rockettoria Cafe, was born from a transformative mentorship with Vittoria Coffee CEO and Founder Les Schirato to bring world-class coffee and technology community together in the heart of Sydney. Now, its legacy continues to nurture the minds and ideas for University of Technology’s startup hub.

When ServiceRocket moved offices in Sydney, one of the hardest things for ServiceRocket CEO and Founder Rob Castenada had to do was to say goodbye to Rockettoria Cafe, the unique cafe space he built onsite with mentor, Vittoria Coffee Founder and CEO Les Schirato.

Schirato provided the complete setup for the cafe space, which was located on the top floor of ServiceRocket’s Sydney office. Building the Rockettoria was an important milestone in a long-standing partnership and friendship between ServiceRocket and Vittoria Coffee and its founders Schirato and Castaneda. 

“There are a few moments in my (business) life that were transforming. One is my relationship with Les. Les taught me a lot about business and myself and coming from a background that had nobody in my family with a professional/business background, his mentorship helped me build confidence and courage. He, too, went through many ups and downs, and his own version of 'battle mode' many times.”

Reimagining the Office, with World-Class Coffee Experiences

In a way, Rockettoria was how ServiceRocket reimagined “the office”.

Rockettoria wasn’t just a place where Rocketeers could grab a good cup of coffee. There, they could work, connect with other Rocketeers and get creative. It also served as a home base for in-house events like technology training and was also available for hosting industry events in the heart of Sydney’s Central Business District (CBD). 

It was a dynamic, flexible space that could adapt to Rocketeers’ evolving needs—where great minds can be nourished in mind and body to develop great ideas.

“Great coffee inspires great things,” said Castaneda. “The spirit of Rockettoria is about getting together, having a coffee and talking about what's going on, what's working, what's not. How do we get better?”  

Passing On the Legacy—the Spirit of Rockettoria lives on

UTS  is set to open UTS Startups, a new 200-desk hub for early-stage startups in July 2025. Located in the Bon Marche Building at Sydney's vibrant Tech Central precinct, this world-class space will offer an affordable environment for innovators and entrepreneurs to connect and create.

When ServiceRocket moved offices recently, it was natural to move Rockettoria over to the UTS Startups. 

“In our partnership with UTS startups, we've actually preserved a good chunk of the Rockettoria Cafe. We’ve moved it over there and are working with UTS to bring the spirit of Rockettoria to the startup program,” said Casteanda.  

The spirit behind Rockettoria continues at their new forever home at UTS’s new Startup Hub, ready to brew coffee and inspire entrepreneurs to do great things.