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.
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[@FirstWeFeast]

*Thumbs up for all the fruteros feeding the city streets*

[@ThisIsFiftyWithLil]

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.

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

Thumbs up for all of the hurting and lost people who keep catastrophically messing up, who finally stop making those horrible decisions.

[@Miryeets_percyjackson_lover]

Sean you should do a hot ones challenge with Walker Scobell!!❤

[@joejo4572]

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...

[@AngeliaOnTheRocks]

One of the best episodes 💚❤️🤍

[@乂]

Really went full circle with this one. Love to see it ❤

[@direngreyfan88]

I do t like this he murdered my brother and got off 😢

[@AussieAngeS]

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

[@mautsukuda]

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.

[@coripadilla]

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!

[@kennytieshisshoes]

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.

[@monicaj7017]

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

[@ninetanyas]

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.

[@BuckyBarnesATL]

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.

[@trishhunt4085]

Another inspiring story that gives me hope for our broken world. I am so grateful for this series.

[@Alien_cancerian]

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!

[@windy.way10]

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❤

[@Madd.Hustle]

why do you say that? because of the tats or because hes hispanic...

[@windy.way10]

@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.

[@modest-wisdom]

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

[@TheRickyVlog]

Definitely!!! Loved it!

[@glmartins]

"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.

[@danimuspiritus]

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]

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]

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!!!

[@LeonHaart13]

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!

[@ms.laterholmes2890]

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

[@ShawnC.W-King]

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

[@robbvaneck9153]

These episodes are amazing! Thank you guys for bringing these stories to us!

[@ms.laterholmes2890]

Thank you you are definitely an inspiration all of you

[@MichaelGalt]

"Went from pushing drugs to pushing fruits." 😂😂😂 But, in all seriousness... awesome message and awesome mission. F'ing love tajin.

[@JCrozier1]

glad I came back for this one.

[@garryhammond3117]

What an awesome and moving story! - Thank you so much for sharing! - Cheers!

[@vr0k3n]

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)

[@brichandra]

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

[@arceneaux777]

This is beautiful - thank you - do more of this

[@elliep543]

This is great & so inspiring!

[@NateRealest777]

Your doing Gods work brother keep doing what you are doing much love

[@joselopez7973]

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.

[@cassidybrandenburg4376]

What a story! Great message. Love this series. Keep shining the light on true entrepreneurs.

[@raybaker8726]

Much respect to this man! Turned his life around and is now a role model for kids in area.

[@javy8229]

This is beautiful!!! 🍇🍈🍉🍊🍋🍌🍍🥭🍎🍏🍐🍑🍒🍓🫐🥝

[@mindbomb2000]

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.

[@BuckyBarnesATL]

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! 🫡

[@julesjulessjulesss]

that’s amazing wow thank you for this 🙏

[@walkingbacktogardening381]

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 🇨🇦🍻🙏

[@darfoz8807]

Shoutout to the judge who gave him a chance!

[@EphemeralProductions]

Great and awesome! Love this ! Big hugs to him. ❤

[@jeffjackson6358]

Made respect for turning your life around and giving back to those in need!!!!!

[@senderupwords7720]

Good for you man - keep illuminating - love and light from Laos!

[@joanneganon7157]

Blessings Bro for your achievments and helping the youths 🎉❤🙏. JO JO IN VT 💞

[@LabH2ODawg]

Such an amazing story. Good for Jorge, much respect ✌🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@redensign24]

what a cool guy, and cool story. I wish him luck getting his restaurant. also props to the judge who expunged his record.

[@DarkZero2588]

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

[@KarlRoyale]

"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.

[@mannytaurus]

Really nice to see something as refreshing as this 💯

[@woodberry537]

This is positive good influence and reinforcement out into the world

[@alfredozurita5673]

That's wassup carnalito. God bless you 🙏 while helping and serving the ones in need. 👍👍👍👍

[@lawls319]

what a special guy and special story 🩵 beautiful mission

[@donaldmonarch1339]

Bro, not all heroes wear capes!!!

[@jeannettemaldonado4628]

Thank you for this, my son finishes his bit in 2 years hopefully. I'm saving this video to share with him. Gracias❤

[@paulsmith5202]

Brother! Fellow human! I remember downtown LA produce market! I salut you and all that you do!

[@paulsmith5202]

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

[@lincolnmarlboro3740]

Can't wait for the restaurant 🙌

[@TheRickyVlog]

Jorge! This is awesome vato! Keep it up man! Very inspirational!

[@user-dx5rg5wo9m]

Dog, this got me. Thank you for sharing this person

[@Nicole-tk8xv]

i love these feel good stories

[@user-gp6td9qg1m]

Sad to say as a Felon in Minnesota, it’s a VERY rare for a judge to expunge your record

[@Crangaso]

Beautiful lifestyle change - God Bless Brother

[@fhertlein]

Intense life. Lucky he survived and is now doing good work.

[@marlonflores5077]

GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS BRO!!!! IM DEFINITELY WILL BE LOOKING FORWARD TO EATING PUSHING FRUITS LA!!!! 💯💯💯💯💯

[@ThePapagonza]

Awesome video and story. Blessings all around.

[@rubenaguirre168]

Good stuff OG. Keep up the great work. God bless 🙏🏼

[@therealrxx2674]

Lil homies doing big things 🙏

[@nivasantos7653]

Man, you and your bros are winners! Saludos desde Brasil. Never stop inspiring the kids.

[@jellymulder]

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!!

[@LindaClark-un7vg]

I am so proud of you young man changing your life around. Keep it going. God is got your back.❤❤

[@robinblueqube]

Heart warming, Thank you

[@1nish12OSRS]

As someone with a brother, when he started about his brother. I started crying. Thats so sad

[@msnicotiana]

Wishing you love, health and happiness, Jorge! And to the youngins, too!!

[@tesla3176]

Congratulations on your success and getting out of that messed up life. 💯❤️🤘🤪🤘

[@deegee9560]

Awesome bro! God bless you!!!!!! Always!

[@EdwardSanchezProductions]

This is so inspiring

[@nattywho]

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!!!

[@katysimmons8281]

Emotional, wonderful video 💜 what a legend he is

[@MolotovFolktales]

Jorge Urrea is no man--he's a saint! Much love and respect to you, El Mero Mero!

[@keithkamps77]

I just love these inspirational videos, great job and lots prayers & luck for him.

[@Liammcgowan]

you guys should be tax exempt on your main businesses. the public health crisis in cali needs more people like you, this is how it gets fixed. something like a v-log submitted to inland revenue = no income tax, no vat, no permit charges. american culture is great, despite the mismanagement. to the future, Liam

[@the_familyjules]

Aye bro…people can change and he is living testament of that. God bless this man, his family, and his business. Prayers up! 🙌🏽✝️

[@VICONEE]

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.

[@purplemacgotti2423]

This just shows that anyone can change

[@heatherjones5808]

A truly inspiring story, thank you.

[@cmontalvo194]

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.

[@carlitosortiz6007]

Loved the content! Keep doing this!

[@jonjones655]

Wow, the best ep ever!!!

[@Shizukanexen]

Love seeing stories like this!

[@TheManyak32]

Lets go fam!!! Love seeing your story and giving back with you. 👏👏👏👏👏

[@RicardoLopez-is8nx]

I know I've seen this man in another video on KZbin but I can't remember what video

[@vonlipi]

A beautiful sol! Great work love ❤

[@TobinOsusky]

Great story! Wishing him abundant success

[@KRayxKodessA]

Wow, what a story. Way to persevere dude... incredible.

[@RonniG.Bpositive]

I love this!! ❤❤ Great job Jorge… 🎉🎉🎉 onward and upward!! Just looking at your fruits made my mouth water 😂😂 way da go!! 🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@rangus55]

I've never cried during a First We Feast video before.

[@drewcontreras3808]

Dope story this is what should be on the news!!!!

[@brichandra]

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!

[@CShamash]

Loving String Selfless Bright and Cheerfull ....Jorge and your team are amazing....very inspiring

[@CShamash]

STRONG

[@KSwapTheWorld69]

Me being an ex gang member, I whole heartedly like the decision road dog did, hes the real MVP!!! 💯💪🏽💯

[@leilanidominguez8257]

Proud of you primo!

[@rainbowsunshine69]

More stories like this please! Gives me motivation and insight on so much! What a wonderful person spreading positivity!

[@Angelica.Midnight]

More content like this please. This really catches the heart of the people. ♥️🙏🏼 Blessings and Much Success to First We Feast 💪🌹