Federico Rudchenco, originally from Monte Grande in Buenos Aires province, has turned a simple idea into a fast-growing food venture in South Florida stadiums. His project, La Milanation, is dedicated to bringing Argentina’s classic milanesa sandwich to fans in the United States.
“I’m 40 years old, and I came back to the United States three years ago,” Rudchenco said. “I studied gastronomy and thought I’d try it here. At first my idea was to do a bit of everything with Argentine food. But then I realized no one here was focused on milanesa. I thought, maybe I’m crazy, but the name La Milanation was going to work.”
Photo courtesy of La Milanation.
First steps and arrival at Chase Stadium
Rudchenco began at Smorgasburg in Wynwood, a popular open-air food market. “I started there, and it was going pretty well. One day they asked me, ‘Do you want to go to Inter?’ And I said yes. That was literally a week before Messi arrived. I couldn’t believe it. It was destiny.”
Today, La Milanation operates inside Chase Stadium, home of Inter Miami. For Rudchenco, the experience goes beyond sales. “At Inter it’s super familiar. Everyone comes and says hello, talks with us while waiting in line. We created a family atmosphere. People are happy, and we’re very happy too.”
Photo courtesy of La Milanation.
Expansion to Hard Rock Stadium
The business has also expanded to the Hard Rock Stadium, where it serves fans of the Miami Dolphins and other large-scale events. Rudchenco admits he wasn’t sure how the American public would respond. “I thought it was impossible. I only wanted to be there for the Club World Cup because that’s my public. But they told me, no, stay here. And it worked out. When Americans try it, they say, ‘Wow, this is food.’ They’re used to hot dogs and chicken tenders from a box. What we do is handmade, and they notice it.”
Beyond the classic sandwich, the menu now includes empanadas and churros. “The traditional Argentine empanada is still the most popular,” he added.
Photo courtesy of La Milanation.
The Club World Cup
One of the biggest moments for La Milanation came at the FIFA Club World Cup earlier this year. “It was amazing. Boca Juniors against Benfica, then Bayern Munich, Real Madrid… for us in sales it was spectacular. Imagine, 70,000 people. I told my wife last year, don’t worry, I’ll be at the Club World Cup. I didn’t know how, but I knew it. And we made it.”
Photo courtesy of La Milanation.
Looking forward
Rudchenco plans to continue expanding. “My idea next year is to open a physical location after the World Cup. We’ll also look at other stadiums—baseball, maybe Formula 1, even tennis at the Miami Open. There’s a lot of projection, but I’m taking it step by step.”
As Argentina’s fan base grows in the United States, so does the presence of Argentine food. For Rudchenco, the goal is simple: to make La Milanation a reference point for anyone who wants to experience one of Argentina’s most traditional dishes, whether at a football match or beyond.
