From Inmate to Inspiration Sajad Shakoor’s Journey with Food and Faith

In Vacaville, California, the evening wind sweeps through as Sajad Shakoor unloads cardboard boxes filled with Middle Eastern delicacies outside Solano State Prison. The dishes, a blend of lamb shawarma, chicken burritos, and sticky-sweet baklava, are a welcome change for the incarcerated individuals waiting to enjoy a meal unlike any other. But this act of kindness is not just about sharing food—it’s about sharing hope, faith, and a story of transformation.

A Journey Back Inside

Sajad Shakoor, wearing a white kufi and a warm smile, steps into Solano State Prison, a place that once felt like an eternal home. Inside, murals of Napa Valley’s vineyards and Lake Tahoe’s emerald waters contrast sharply with the bleakness of prison life. This time, however, Shakoor isn’t there as an inmate but as a beacon of inspiration.

Dozens of Muslim worshippers gather in the room, their faces lighting up as they dig into the flavorful meals from Falafel Corner, Shakoor’s thriving restaurant chain. Among them is Kali, a 69-year-old man incarcerated for over 40 years, who eagerly remarks, “I’ve been eating Top Ramen for so long. This food is so good.”

The gathering isn’t just about food—it’s about faith, fellowship, and finding purpose behind bars. Shakoor shares his story at the podium, his deep voice echoing through the room: “All of this is from God. It’s a joy to come and serve food, because I spent time here.”

Born into a Muslim family of Pakistani heritage, Shakoor rediscovered his faith and passion for cooking during his years in prison. Serving a life sentence under California’s “three strikes” law, he faced despair and the grim reality of never leaving incarceration. Yet, he found solace in Islam and creativity in the prison kitchen.

With limited resources, Shakoor turned bland ingredients like beans, rice, and peanut butter into culinary masterpieces. He improvised with makeshift hot plates and drew inspiration from cookbooks and PBS cooking shows. His dishes, often a fusion of Mexican, South Asian, and American flavors, became legendary among inmates and even prison guards.

“I was famous for my burritos,” Shakoor recalls with a chuckle. “They were a party in your mouth, blending Indian spices with Mexican staples and a touch of Chinese flavors.” One guard even praised his burritos as better than those from his family’s food truck.

A Halal Kitchen and a Lawsuit

Cooking wasn’t just a hobby for Shakoor; it was a way to connect with others and maintain his cultural and religious identity. In San Quentin, California’s oldest prison, a lawsuit filed by incarcerated Muslims led to the establishment of a halal kitchen. This milestone allowed Shakoor to refine his culinary skills and create dishes that adhered to Islamic dietary laws.

“San Quentin gave me the space to hone my cooking,” he says. The halal kitchen became a hub for community building, where food and faith intertwined to bring hope to those behind bars.

California’s “tough-on-crime” policies in the 1990s had led to skyrocketing incarceration rates, with the “three strikes” law imposing life sentences for repeat offenders. In 1997, Shakoor’s involvement in a neighborhood dispute led to his third strike, sentencing him to 25 years to life.

However, the tides began to shift with reforms like Proposition 36, which allowed inmates convicted of nonviolent felonies to seek reduced sentences. Shakoor became a vocal advocate for the measure, and in 2013, he was granted parole after 16 years behind bars.

“Words cannot describe the euphoria and fear of the unknown,” he says, recalling the day he walked out of Solano State Prison. His first stop? The mosque. “I wanted to show my reverence and gratitude to God,” he explains.

From Prison to Prosperity

After his release, Shakoor’s culinary skills quickly became his ticket to a new life. He started working at Falafel Corner, a Middle Eastern restaurant in the Bay Area, where his talent and dedication earned him a managerial role. By 2018, Shakoor bought out the restaurant’s owner, transforming it into a fast-growing franchise with over 30 locations across Northern California.

“Cooking saved me,” he says. “It gave me purpose when I had none.”

Shakoor’s journey didn’t end with his culinary success. He became an advocate for criminal justice reform, drawing from his experiences to push for meaningful change. In 2014, he testified in support of SB 1391, which expanded access to higher education for incarcerated individuals. The bill passed, enabling thousands to pursue college degrees behind bars.

In 2023, Shakoor supported SB 309, a bill standardizing religious grooming and headwear policies in California’s detention facilities. His advocacy was personal—he had faced harassment for wearing a chitrali cap, a symbol of his Muslim and Pakistani identity, while in prison.

“It’s about dignity,” he says. “Everyone deserves to express their faith freely.”

Giving Back Through Food and Faith

Since 2017, Shakoor has made it a mission to visit prisons across California, bringing meals and messages of hope to Muslim inmates. Each visit requires hours of cooking and navigating bureaucratic hurdles, but for Shakoor, it’s a labor of love.

“Food is a bridge,” he says. “It brings people together and reminds them of their humanity.”

For many incarcerated Muslims, these gatherings are a rare source of fellowship and spiritual renewal. Kali, the 69-year-old inmate, reflects on his own journey: “Islam saved me. It gave me peace and purpose.”

A Legacy of Community Impact

Shakoor’s story is a testament to resilience, faith, and the transformative power of community. His efforts extend beyond food, encompassing advocacy for systemic changes that promote dignity and equity for all incarcerated individuals. Today, he continues to inspire others with his unwavering commitment to uplifting those who often feel forgotten.

In addition to his prison visits, Shakoor frequently collaborates with local organizations to provide reentry support for formerly incarcerated individuals. These programs focus on job training, mentorship, and housing assistance, ensuring that others have the resources to rebuild their lives, just as he did.

Shakoor’s journey from a prison cell to running a successful restaurant empire highlights the potential for change, even in the direst circumstances. His life is a reminder that hope and perseverance can flourish anywhere, even behind bars. For those still incarcerated, his story offers a glimmer of what’s possible.

Back in Solano’s mural-adorned room, Shakoor shares a Quranic verse that has guided him through his darkest times: “Verily, with hardship comes ease.” For those he serves, his life is a living testament to that promise.

Expanding Culinary Horizons

Shakoor’s influence in the culinary world continues to grow. Falafel Corner’s innovative menu reflects his journey, offering dishes that blend flavors from various cultures. From shawarma-inspired tacos to biryani bowls, the menu celebrates diversity while staying true to its Middle Eastern roots.

In 2022, Shakoor launched a community outreach initiative through Falafel Corner, providing meals to homeless shelters and low-income communities across California. The program has served thousands of meals, reinforcing his belief that food can be a powerful tool for social good.

Falafel Corner also partners with local food banks and non-profits, hosting regular events to address food insecurity. These collaborations ensure that those in need receive nourishing meals while fostering a sense of unity within the community.

Shakoor’s commitment to giving back extends to mentoring young chefs, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. By sharing his expertise and offering internships, he empowers the next generation to pursue careers in the culinary arts.

Through his story, Shakoor highlights the urgent need for systemic reforms in the criminal justice system. He advocates for policies that prioritize rehabilitation over punishment, ensuring that inmates have access to education, vocational training, and mental health support.

“People are more than their worst mistakes,” he says. “With the right support, anyone can turn their life around.”

Expanding Advocacy Efforts

Shakoor frequently speaks at universities, conferences, and community events, sharing his journey to inspire action and reform. His speeches focus on the intersection of faith, resilience, and the power of second chances. By leveraging his platform, he amplifies the voices of those still navigating the challenges of incarceration and reentry.

Sajad Shakoor’s journey from incarceration to empowerment demonstrates the incredible potential of resilience, faith, and community. His work—whether through food, advocacy, or mentorship—continues to uplift and inspire. For those seeking a second chance, Shakoor’s life serves as a powerful reminder that change is always possible.

As Shakoor often says, “With hardship comes ease”—and his life is a testament to turning even the most challenging circumstances into opportunities for growth and giving back.