Shot 5 Times to Street Food Legend: How an Ex-Gang Member Became LA’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 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 , 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: BUY HOT ONES HOT SAUCE NOW: TRY THE HOT ONES BONELESS CHICKEN BITE CHALLENGE: BUY HOT ONES TRUTH OR DAB: THE GAME: SIGN UP FOR THE HOT ONES MONTHLY HOT SAUCE SUBSCRIPTION: SIGN UP FOR THE FIRST WE FEAST NEWSLETTER: SUBSCRIBE TO FIRST WE FEAST ON YOUTUBE: MAKE A DIFFERENCE BY DONATING TO COMMON THREADS, THE OFFICIAL CHARITY PARTNER OF HOT ONES: Check out more of First We Feast here: