Luis Cruz came to Seattle from Puerto Rico a little over two years ago. After serving at the police academy in Puerto Rico, he realized he had another passion: baking and cooking. Luis then joined a culinary school and opened his first catering business focused on breads and baked goods. Now, he continues to exercise his passion by working in the kitchen at the Waskowitz Summer Camp in Washington.
Luis started El Jibarito in June 2019, and currently sells sandwiches, hot sauces, and jams. Luis adds a taste of his heritage to his sandwiches, such as the famous “El Yeyo” which contains pork, chicken and meat, a typical combination in Puerto Rico. He also sells a Cuban sandwich, traditional Philly Cheese Steak, and a chicken sandwich. For his jams, Luis uses fruit that is in season and a kick of spiciness. His top-selling flavors are raspberry, blackberry, and strawberry. Luis appreciates Washington’s diversity and quality of fruits and enjoys the diversity of cultures as well. He hopes to expand his business with Ventures’ help, and eventually own his brick -and mortar space. You can find El Jibarito’s jams and sauces at the Ventures Marketplace in Pike Place Market, or catch him at the Kent Farmers Market!
