Shot 5 Times to Street Food Legend: How an Ex-Gang Member Became L.A.’s Most Beloved Frutero
Found on nearly every corner in Los Angeles, fruit carts-and the fruteros who operate them-are icons of the city’s street food scene. But few fruteros have the story of Jorge Urrea, a former gang member who found redemption by starting his own fruit cart business, Pushin Fruits LA..As we dive into the turbulent yet inspiring life of Jorge, we’re introduced to a man reshaped by the past and driven by a promise he made on a harrowing night in 2004. Surviving five bullet wounds in a violent gang clash that cost his best friend's life, he made a pledge to transform his life and join the ranks of other fruteros selling fresh watermelon, mangoes, coconuts, and other fruit dashed with a tangy sprinkle of tajin.Today, Jorge isn’t just fulfilling his vow by selling fruit; he’s also devoting his time to mentor youth and help them veer away from the pitfalls that nearly claimed his life. In this episode of Food Heroes, we explore Jorge's tireless quest to give back to his community - from feeding the homeless of Skid Row, to participating in drives for student school supplies.
For More Information:
www.seaprograms.org/
www.projectcoffeecup.org/
BUY HOT ONES HOT SAUCE NOW: fwfea.st/hotsauces
TRY THE HOT ONES BONELESS CHICKEN BITE CHALLENGE: fwfea.st/chickenbites
BUY HOT ONES TRUTH OR DAB: THE GAME: truthordabgame.com
SIGN UP FOR THE HOT ONES MONTHLY HOT SAUCE SUBSCRIPTION: bit.ly/2veY50P
SIGN UP FOR THE FIRST WE FEAST NEWSLETTER: firstwefeast.com/signup
SUBSCRIBE TO FIRST WE FEAST ON KZhead: goo.gl/UxFzhK
MAKE A DIFFERENCE BY DONATING TO COMMON THREADS, THE OFFICIAL CHARITY PARTNER OF HOT ONES: www.commonthreads.org/firstwe...
Check out more of First We Feast here:
firstwefeast.com/
/ firstwefeast
/ hotones
/ firstwefeast
/ firstwefeast
*Thumbs up for all the fruteros feeding the city streets*
Heartwarming; the enthusiasm that shows on his face speaking about his business. Man, I wish there was a frutero in my neck of the woods. As a child from similar surroundings, it was never about "making it out" for me as much as it was "getting out." Out of my little kid eyes, I took every chance to explore the idea of other places... safer places. Books, t.v. and visits out-of-town (E.L.A.) allowed for my dream to be made possible. There are terrible memories, and eventually a PTSD diagnosis (at age 30) 10 years after leaving that environment, but there are some similarities to this young man's stories. I wish him continued successes; glad to see where he has arrived so far... with that beautiful smile on his face.
Thumbs up for all of the hurting and lost people who keep catastrophically messing up, who finally stop making those horrible decisions.
Sean you should do a hot ones challenge with Walker Scobell!!❤
S/O TO THE SGV HOMIE... IM JUST LIKE U ESE... BEEN HIT TWICE... A TOTAL OF 5 TIMES .. NOW A LOCAL VENDOR TRYNA MAKE IT HERE IN SS LONG BEACH 213 HA 💯 GET AT ME...
One of the best episodes 💚❤️🤍
Really went full circle with this one. Love to see it ❤
I do t like this he murdered my brother and got off 😢
when he teared up I cried 😢 I am ao happy and glad that he has made a new life for himself. Bless
I'm really loving these stories man. Gives me hope for humanity. So much hatred all around the world. It feels good to see people spreading hope and kindness.
Man I’m so sorry about loosing your brother, I could feel the pain in your voice deeply. You seem like a real genuine and all around great guy. One of the best people I’ve seen on this series.
i am so sorry for your losses. and the loss of your childhood. i'm glad that you found light. you deserve it. much love.
I’m a 38yr old disabled Army OIF Vet. I started cooking in restaurants when I got out because I actually truly enjoyed it. I also give allot to the homeless yearly when it comes to food and clothing. I even gave away my favorite Cleveland Indians World Series hoodie to a sad homeless man lying on a bus stop bench in Cleveland at 5 in the morning while I went to work. (Which I don’t regret) It was snowing and so cold. Point being I love what this man does and if I had the money to do what he does I would do it in a heartbeat. I’m so happy someone like him found a way to make all of this happen. He’s truly a hero and an inspiration to so many.
Another inspiring story that gives me hope for our broken world. I am so grateful for this series.
What a terrific redemption story. Sadly, there will always be people who see you as a criminal, but the only thing that matters is what you do for others moving forward❤
why do you say that? because of the tats or because hes hispanic...
@Madd.Hustle because he's been incarcerated and a lot of people in society will hold that against him, no matter what he's done outside of all of that or that he served his time.
Sean thank you so much for highlighting Jorge’s story. My team and I have had the honor of serving the community alongside him and Project Coffee Cup and he is as solid as they come. Hope this and all the other stories influence everyone to be active in the community, it’s so rewarding
Thank you for showcasing an LA native & all the good he is doing. His story definitely moved me & hope to visit his stand one day!
As someone who got alot of help from my community as a young person I truly believe that as I grow older I want to give back to the youth. I am 24yo and I do alot in my community. We need people like him that have seen the reality of life and how hard it can get so people in that situation can see there is hope to change!
I love these so much! These are honestly the videos we could all use more of! So inspiring.
Definitely!!! Loved it!
I am truly looking forward to these episodes as they come out, and this is my favourite segment this channel does. These stories are just about the only thing that redeem my faith in humanity, massive massive support to this man. You CAN make a diffe, you CAN turn your life around, after hitting the bottom. So, so nice to see 👏🏻
I really enjoyed this video gonna check to see if there are more. I like his positive outlook on running his fruit cart and doing the big meal services for the homeless with his good friends. More people like these guys on the world would make it a better place. Jorge keep on doing what you're doing I think its really great
Blessings Jorge! May your newfound Venture bring you blessings upon blessings from one to the next. What a great redemption story!
I’m in tears your story is such amazing 🥲 inspiration. I’ve been let down by my mother as a kid & thrown into a mental institution it’s very sad & hard it turns sadness into anger & is so hard to be heard and have positive emotions ❤thank you for your hard work 😓 & Inspirational story!!!
"If you get in trouble because you're sad your friend died, you're disrespecting their memory." This is the kind of unfiltered speech that would get a social worker fired, but it's exactly what the kid needs to hear. Doesn't matter how many PhD's you have, someone that can actually speak their language will always be more effective.
This is such an amazing series. Giving people the platform they deserve when they overcome and making a difference in their community. What a great way to honor Omar!
These episodes are amazing! Thank you guys for bringing these stories to us!
No words can describe what you went through. I can only say I thank you for the time and energy that you are putting in your life right now manifesting positive and stay strong. Thank you for sharing your story. You are a tremendous human
"Went from pushing drugs to pushing fruits." 😂😂😂 But, in all seriousness... awesome message and awesome mission. F'ing love tajin.
What an awesome and moving story! - Thank you so much for sharing! - Cheers!
Thank you for doing this series, it’s such a good one.
You guys should definitely do more videos like these ones. Actually amazing to see people with troubled pasts make it through and make a name for themselves, not just a regular restaurant tour like most other channels do (which is nice yeah, but those videos don't hit in the fees like this one does)
Thank you you are definitely an inspiration all of you
What a story! Great message. Love this series. Keep shining the light on true entrepreneurs.
Thank you for this, my son finishes his bit in 2 years hopefully. I'm saving this video to share with him. Gracias❤
This is great & so inspiring!
Good stuff OG. Keep up the great work. God bless 🙏🏼
glad I came back for this one.
Blessings Bro for your achievments and helping the youths 🎉❤🙏. JO JO IN VT 💞
I love the way food brings peace and love no matter what happened to you. kindness is better for everyone. Lots of love from MTL 🇨🇦🍻🙏
Awesome video and story. Blessings all around.
that’s amazing wow thank you for this 🙏
I just love these inspirational videos, great job and lots prayers & luck for him.
Love your content guys 😊😊😊❤❤
Much respect to this man! Turned his life around and is now a role model for kids in area.
Love this series. This kind of positivity is what we need more of. Best to all the people who’ve been featured so far. And next time I’m in Philly you better believe I’m getting that pizza Down North
Lets go fam!!! Love seeing your story and giving back with you. 👏👏👏👏👏
Jorge! This is awesome vato! Keep it up man! Very inspirational!
Good for you man - keep illuminating - love and light from Laos!
This is beautiful!!! 🍇🍈🍉🍊🍋🍌🍍🥭🍎🍏🍐🍑🍒🍓🫐🥝
This and the front yard farm revolution is the type content I need... I hope they get more views so you keep on making them!!
Such an amazing story. Good for Jorge, much respect ✌🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Your doing Gods work brother keep doing what you are doing much love
As a fellow Hispanic from New Mexico/California, and Army Vet and Chef/General Manager of Restaurants after the Army because I love food. I salute you brother! 🫡
Bro is bringing the wholesome vibes with the kids. He's that uncle you want, calling the kids mijo, campeon. This is a man's man, the one who recognizes his mistakes, his limitations, and is doing things to actively change the lives around him.
Awesome bro! God bless you!!!!!! Always!
This is beautiful - thank you - do more of this
That's wassup carnalito. God bless you 🙏 while helping and serving the ones in need. 👍👍👍👍
Great and awesome! Love this ! Big hugs to him. ❤
Man, you and your bros are winners! Saludos desde Brasil. Never stop inspiring the kids.
A truly inspiring story, thank you.
Loved the content! Keep doing this!
Really nice to see something as refreshing as this 💯
Theo was so very heartwarming ❤❤❤. God bless all these hard working men and I pray they have continued success in their businesses and community outreach!!!
what a cool guy, and cool story. I wish him luck getting his restaurant. also props to the judge who expunged his record.
Made respect for turning your life around and giving back to those in need!!!!!
Dog, this got me. Thank you for sharing this person
Heart warming, Thank you
More content like this please. This really catches the heart of the people. ♥️🙏🏼 Blessings and Much Success to First We Feast 💪🌹
A beautiful sol! Great work love ❤
Jorge Urrea, you are a hero. If every on person helped just one person find a different path, the world would be so much better... imagine how many paths that you will change.
Wishing you love, health and happiness, Jorge! And to the youngins, too!!
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS BRO!!!! IM DEFINITELY WILL BE LOOKING FORWARD TO EATING PUSHING FRUITS LA!!!! 💯💯💯💯💯
I don't know you brother but I am very proud of what you have accomplished for yourself... Keep up this wonderful work one love.
Aye bro…people can change and he is living testament of that. God bless this man, his family, and his business. Prayers up! 🙌🏽✝️
I love this!! ❤❤ Great job Jorge… 🎉🎉🎉 onward and upward!! Just looking at your fruits made my mouth water 😂😂 way da go!! 🤘🏼🤘🏼
Best video I’ve watched in a long time. God bless this incredible man for all he’s been through and for what he does. So amazing!
Loving String Selfless Bright and Cheerfull ....Jorge and your team are amazing....very inspiring
STRONG
living legend love your work homie
You are hero man! Keep fighting the good fight! Love!
Love seeing stories like this!
This video was 🔥!
Can't wait for the restaurant 🙌
Wow, what a story. Way to persevere dude... incredible.
what a special guy and special story 🩵 beautiful mission
Great story! Wishing him abundant success
Shout out to the onward-mindset and concise demonstration of what we are capable of amidst second chances!! 👏🏽 That is how it is done, son.... (SUN 🌅) 😊😊😊😊
This is positive good influence and reinforcement out into the world
"I don't see myself as a hero, I'm just trying to help people."- Heroes always say that. That is how you find them.
Brother! Fellow human! I remember downtown LA produce market! I salut you and all that you do!
Also, toward the end of this video, talking with the kids. I can't express enough how much i/and life is proud of you and with that, thank you for doing what you do! Thank you, my brother
Love this !!!
God bless you. There was a reason you lived and its amazing to see how ur future changed for the good. 🎉❤
The fruit of your labor..no pun intended. Love your story bro. Keep it up.
Bro, not all heroes wear capes!!!
I am so proud of you young man changing your life around. Keep it going. God is got your back.❤❤
Very inspiring, it was dope to see how he turned his life around, and how he gave his time to give positivity to those kids.
Good video 👍🏼
Sad to say as a Felon in Minnesota, it’s a VERY rare for a judge to expunge your record
Beautiful lifestyle change - God Bless Brother
Dope story this is what should be on the news!!!!
This is so inspiring
Thank you first we feast for giving everyone a voice 😊 so the ones the need to hear it can hear it and grow ❤
i love these feel good stories
Jorge Urrea is no man--he's a saint! Much love and respect to you, El Mero Mero!
Love this
hat down and much respect to him 👍 love the idea of the chili topping. .In thailand you will find grapefruits with a mix of coarse salt and dry chilli sprinkle a one of a kind taste buds experience.
Intense life. Lucky he survived and is now doing good work.
Me being an ex gang member, I whole heartedly like the decision road dog did, hes the real MVP!!! 💯💪🏽💯