04/26/2026
The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh has officially closed a $100,000 loan to support El Colibrí LLC, a women-owned Mexican street food business preparing to open its first brick-and-mortar location at 5331 Penn Avenue.
Born out of Pittsburgh’s First Friday markets in Garfield, El Colibrí began with homemade family recipes that quickly built a loyal following. What started as a pop-up quickly grew into farmers markets, catering, and a ghost kitchen, each step driven by strong community demand for authentic, traditional Mexican cuisine.
Now, that journey is entering an exciting new chapter.
El Colibrí’s future Penn Avenue storefront will bring a deeply rooted cultural experience to the neighborhood, centered on traditional dishes passed down through family, including gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options that stay true to Mexican cooking practices. The space will also reflect the owners’ story of migration, resilience, and creativity, with plans for a mural honoring family and heritage. Located in a growing corridor of small, independently owned businesses, El Colibrí adds to the momentum of Penn Avenue as a hub for entrepreneurship, culture, and community connection.
This investment supports more than a restaurant. It helps bring a long-envisioned neighborhood gathering space to life, strengthening both local economic activity and cultural vibrancy in Pittsburgh.
