Christiana Ruiz has opened Manny Vibez restaurant in Norwood in honor of her beloved older brother, Manny, who passed away a year ago, writes Pete Bannan for the Daily Times.

The high-energy 33-year-old mother of three has always dreamed of being a chef and opening a restaurant. Her brother joined her in that dream, and together they worked at the popular Buena Onda Tacos on Spring Garden Street in Philadelphia.

Ruiz grew up in South Philly in a mixed Italian–Colombian home.

After trying college and the Army, she enrolled at the  Art Institute of Philadelphia’s culinary school. Afterward, her career took off.

She’s worked as a prep chef at Catering by Design. She ran a food truck and worked at Aramark and at Buena Onda before becoming general manager for an airport restaurant.

Now she’s got her own place in Norwood, a restaurant on Winona Avenue. Ruiz cooks breakfast and lunch with help from her sister, Monica.

“We’re getting a lot of love from the neighborhood,” Ruiz said. “I’m just here to put my love on a plate and treat people like family.”

Through it all, she knows her brother is with her.

“He’s continually surrounding me,” she said.

Find out more about Christiana Ruiz and see what’s on the menu in the Daily Times.