El Colibri
About us
Back in 2022...
More than 22 years later since we migrated, in July 2022, my husband encouraged my mom to sell on First Friday in Penn where he had been setting up his artwork– she didn’t put much thought into it and agreed. We didn’t think much of it, to be honest. We knew nothing about starting a business. This was a fun one-time thing.
We always heard friends and family complaining about missing real authentic food here, in Pittsburgh. So she knew other Latinos would appreciate her food but wasn't sure what nonlatinos would think. But based on our success at Penn she leaped and that's when it happened. We started working on a business name and logo.
We chose El Colibri because it means hummingbird and that symbolizes intelligence, beauty, devotion, and love. And that's what we were all about.
The first place we set up as a business was at the Bloomfield farmers market. We were so nervous yet so excited to share our food with everyone. We were blown away by everyone that day. People were thanking us for sharing our food, the farmers market was so welcoming and that continued to motivate us to keep sharing our culture.
Our Team
El Colibri is a representation of our passions combined. Everyone asks us what makes our food special, and to be honest we don't look at food as income.
We are just a Mexican family that is not looking to make a profit but to share our culture which is what differentiates us from other businesses. If you come to our booth and you are missing a couple of dollars we won't turn you away. We will serve you because it's about sharing our culture and experience with you. We for far too long felt unwelcomed but now we are paving the way to make sure no one gets turned away and we get to share our experiences through food. El Colibri is about connection, community, and belonging.
Jeimy Ibarra
Born in Mexico City and raised in Pittsburgh. Jeimy has been a leader since she was a young girl, she has committed her life to helping and serving people. Jeimy is one of the co-owners of El Colibri and also manages the Aguas Frescas, catering, and the management of the team.
Pedro Ibarra
Born in Oaxaca, Mexico, Pedro has lived in Pittsburgh for 20 years. He is a descendent of an artist family so he is a natural artist. His art has been spread around the US, also crossing borders. Pedro is one of the co-owners and cooks the famous birria we all love (and the spicy salsas!!).
Rocio Ruiz
Rocio started selling sopes and quesadillas in Mexico City when was a teen. Once in Pittsburgh, she felt she needed to create a welcoming environment for others so the easiest way for her to connect and create that space was by cooking and serving others. Rocio is one of the co-owners, she cooks the delicious gorditas and huaraches.