Shot 5 Times to Street Food Legend: How an Ex-Gang Member Became L.A.’s Most Beloved Frutero

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Published 2024-02-20

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.

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All Comments (21)

@FirstWeFeast 3 months ago

Thumbs up for all the fruteros feeding the city streets
@乂 3 months ago

Really went full circle with this one. Love to see it ❤
@AussieAngeS 3 months ago

when he teared up I cried 😢 I am ao happy and glad that he has made a new life for himself. Bless
@mautsukuda 3 months ago

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.
@ninetanyas 3 months ago

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. <3 this is really awesome and inspirational.
@BuckyBarnesATL 3 months ago

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.
@kennytieshisshoes 3 months ago

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.
@trishhunt4085 3 months ago

Another inspiring story that gives me hope for our broken world. I am so grateful for this series.
@monicaj7017 3 months ago

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
@reviseandrise 3 months ago

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❤
@carolinerobert1370 3 months ago

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!
@modest-wisdom 3 months ago

I love these so much! These are honestly the videos we could all use more of! So inspiring.
@coripadilla 1 month ago

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!
@danimuspiritus 3 months ago

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 👏🏻
@markscott4159 3 months ago

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
@raynadominguez3806 3 months ago

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!!!
@robbvaneck9153 3 months ago

These episodes are amazing! Thank you guys for bringing these stories to us!
@ShawnC.W-King 3 months ago

Blessings Jorge! May your newfound Venture bring you blessings upon blessings from one to the next. What a great redemption story!
@glmartins 3 months ago

"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.
@brichandra 3 months ago

Thank you for doing this series, it’s such a good one.