How I Went From Prison To $1.1 Million Restaurant Owner

Ali Elreda cut the ribbon on his restaurant Fatima's Grill in 2016, three years after completing a six-year sentence for a drug charge. Last year, the Downey, California-based location brought in more than $1 million in revenue, selling a fusion of Mexican and Lebanese cuisine in eye-catching, Instagram-ready style. Fatima's Grill also has franchise locations in the Los Angeles area, Brooklyn, New York, and Denton, Texas - and Elreda says he's working on opening more across the U.S. and Canada.
Produced by: Zach Green
Senior Managing Producer: Eric M. Clark
Additional Camera: Tristan Pelletier, Valentina Duarte
Animator: Elham Ataeiazar
Reporter: Tom Huddleston
Additional Footage: Ali Elreda, Susanne Elreda, Getty Images, Envato
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How I Went From Prison To $1.1 Million Restaurant Owner

[@somerandomfella]

Good on him for not letting prison hold him back and having a growth mindset.

[@HH-kg4fq]

For someone who spent 6 yrs in prison, he is poised, well-spoken, and he doesn't look bitter. He is humble and focused on what he is good at. That is a great leader and role model.

[@Bulletno]

Man will become less bitter when he makes peace with himself.

[@soufwesthoustontx]

Not everyone who goes to prison is a violent offender. Plenty of people with his personality locked up.

[@Crown42]

Lol, I spent 5 years in prison at the age of 16 and was charged with violent crimes. Now, I'm a college graduate with a master's degree in computer science and a software engineer. Not all felons are stupid and impulsive. Lol

[@soufwesthoustontx]

@@Crown42 Yeah anyone can go to college if they have the funds. Really people just have to have a skill, talent, and or drive to be successful. There are people who are rich and or successful with no college degree. Especially in the tech field. There are people with degrees who are not successful. Tech industry is an industry that is on a constant rise with job opportunities.

[@nca4794]

People from all walks of life go to prison. Most come out and do better. Others, unfortunately, we hear about them on the News.

[@TechKickz]

I ate at his restaurant when it first opened in Downey, the food and customer service was amazing. Ali is also a great owner, he checked up on us on how our food was and if we had any issues and fixed them immediately if there were any. I'm happy about the success he has obtained!

[@Wildcat221]

Props to this man for not going back to crime after prison, he said enough was enough and made his life mean something. Hella respect!!

[@selfridgesforever4399]

Love that he named his business after his daughter. Hope it will become a family business!

[@irdestroyer]

Wonder if his drug business was named after his daughter too.

[@Dirtygirl6]

This is one of my fav Make It videos. He is creative, resilient, humble and motivated. He is driven and supported by family and his community. He is an inspiration to those who have made some mistakes in their life but are looking to move past their past choices, as they don’t define us. Thank you for sharing this!

[@Dhi_Bee]

Bro, please open up a location in South Florida! Your consultant from Miami should’ve recommended that. I’d eat there at minimum 3 times a month if it was here. I fully support ex cons who just made a mistake & trying to just live a normal life. I have some in my family, so I know how much harder it is in the workforce with a record & I’m proud of people like you who don’t let that stop you

[@magicalpodium]

This is my man. The real MVP hustler. Changed his story from behind bars to the front of a brand. Respekkkk on your name. Success in your business endeavors.

[@DadinWA]

thanks for sharing. It's great to hear Ali's story. Should inspire everyone that even doing time in prison, with a vision you can become successful.

[@schumanndrake9166]

What a good dude and love these types of stories. What a brilliant idea to fuse these two cuisines--looks fantastic!

[@brem3386]

I enjoy hearing success stories like yours. It makes my heart warm, and I hope that others in the same situation can prosper as well.

[@laliq139]

It is so cool to see that people who have some troubles in their lives can manage it and became so successful! Great job! Continue it! It’s good to see you working for others and for yourself! I hope to get the right way as well and to success. Greetings from Germany! :)

[@Beautifulchild22]

I’ve seen the videos on Social media! Congratulations Ali! Very inspirational. I’m definitely going to check out the location in New York ❤

[@joseromero9933]

Awesome I'm a ex felon myself inspirational

[@hcatapang186]

Wow, what a turn around, thank you for sharing!

[@hamburgerzzzzz]

Great story. Happy for them 🙏

[@joseg.9622]

the most intellectual people I have ever met are reformed prisoner trying to make it. Their dedication, charisma, and just over all knowledge is amazing. They read a lot while in the reformation program and are just trying to make it, seeing his success is amazing. Congratulations to you and your success.

[@adventureswithwonu4467]

Inspirational man 🙏🏿

[@ragurajaguru]

Respect to this Man ! 💯

[@joymassey3929]

Great!!! So inspiring, thanks so much!!

[@ninjanerdstudent6937]

I like how he said "no lard in the beans." I always call up Mexican restaurants beforehand to verify it.

[@iabelanger]

Wow congrats for your success🎉

[@kausikvenkat]

Interesting that most of his income comes from his franchise locations

[@dec1slh]

What's interesting about it? It kind of makes sense

[@cupidok2768]

Omg plz help me make millions! Do i have to go ti prison too

[@MrGetItIn]

Profit margins in the restaurant business are super thin. From his $1.1 million sales he's seeing maybe $70-100k in profit. Makes sense that the 7 other locations at 7% royalty each amass to more overall

[@dec1slh]

@cupidok2768 is that what you got out of the story? If so, by all means, go to prison and come back to tell us how it worked out for you.

[@cupidok2768]

@@dec1slh yay u cant read title or my comment. Im glad someone worse than me didnt even go to 1st grade

[@KingRegis_]

This is a dope story i hope this inspires people to keep going

[@Crystalbomb321]

This is inspirational

[@leestigulmacklin5066]

Blessings Be Upon You, Your Family and Your Future 💖🥰🙏🏽✨️

[@MoorishBrooklyn]

It took a hard lesson in his youth and in America for him to be "sat down" and refocus his life when he went to prison. It was necessary and had a purpose though. It was a heck of a journey and bounce back. Genius idea by his daughter. Fantastic "American dream story".

[@tbprofile1295]

It's funny how CNBC always shows the subjects in slow motion 😂

[@Tashas_Travels]

When i visit the US I'll definitely come try your food. Amazing 👏🏾 🤩

[@02nupe]

definitely gonna try it when it comes to Atlanta

[@JesusIsReal925]

Every situation is what you make of it the meanings you want to give it

[@slowedversion6393]

God bless bro !

[@kingdomofheartslovers6238]

what a great man!

[@avgholson8143]

Oooh thats up the street from us! Definitely going to visit

[@MoeyViews]

Gotta do seven years soon time! Watching this just gives me inspiration.

[@nca4794]

I'm glad he stepped into the responsibility of manhood and is a blessing to his family and the community. His family must be so proud. Rightfully so.❤

[@MOBMJ]

OMG I'm part Iranian and and LOVE MEXICAN FOOD. respect to you and good luck in the future. Love the name 🙌

[@smoke726]

Me and my wife have had Fati's more times than we can count and Ali is absolutely one of the best. I didnt know his backstory, it makes it that better to me now.

[@m_y_v_]

This place looks amazing! I also think that Mexican & middle eastern cuisine is similar so this place looks like my type of joint 😊

[@ai.simplified..]

Success stories are awesome

[@iftak01]

Great business glad to see it’s booming Alhamdulliah

[@kindaclassykindachola]

Ali stole my brother Freddy Ibarra Fatimas restaurant in Montebello when he passed away on 1/25/23. Ali is good friends with the owner of the shopping center where my brother leased the small commercial building. This is why it was easy for him to take over the business. My brother spent all of his life savings to open this franchise. He sold my brother a fake dream, and my brother wanted to get out of the franchise as soon as the lease was over because once he learned how much he had to pay royalties to this dude, Freddy was very disappointed and frustrated with Ali and his control of my brother's restaurant.🤥

[@warriorm0mma]

He didn’t mention a thing about Freddy took all the credit 😮🫢🤥

[@Avq37]

This place is fire 🔥

[@JohnDoe-zz7on]

That burrito swarma looking thing looks legit.

[@forward_ever_ever2595]

What an example to all.

[@xavierclayton9990]

Doing better than the justice and education system employees. Definitely didn't stop him.

[@tondaleyacarter7355]

When and where are you opening in Atlanta? Please advise,

[@syfrancomusic]

Awesome success story.

[@krisb-travel]

1 mil in America in service means his net is about 100k only

[@TTTTJJJJJJJJJJ]

put one up there in azusa man. i'll be sure to visit yall

[@loyalone7355]

Turned a negative to a positive! Wishing him continued success!

[@foxxycleopatra615]

Talks to open in Canada?! If he does I’ll def check it out 😃

[@ks351]

Canada has no opportunities and high taxes and too much red tape

[@edisonesparagoza5842]

Great person

[@DeeOne88]

Although the actual Mexican restaurants never incorporated the hot Cheetos into their foods, it’s been done for years more so in the Mexican American youth communities, specifically in schools. My very first day in 6th grade back in 1999 at lunch I saw the older kids buying bean and cheese burritos and pizza sticks which were basically hot pockets with cheese and pepperoni and stuffing them with hot Cheetos inside. The moment I tried it, I was hooked! but the fact that no one decided to commercialize the idea of selling that to the public until recently is crazy to me because it makes sense and it automatically took me back to those days.

[@pauljones9150]

Good vibes

[@joseromero9933]

How do I purchase a Fatima's Grill franchise?

[@candy5742]

I'm in AZ and I would like to visit.

[@a1visuals761]

Bring one to Seattle !

[@travellifevlog740]

Nice ❤❤

[@aeginamonroe]

This is cool

[@rara1800]

It just goes to show you that people who do non-violent crimes deserve a second chance if they are willing to change

[@jokerrhe]

Holy moly with hot cheetos inside, that's that prison type food. LOL whoa looks bomb

[@privatesale211]

Indeed, great example for kids .......

[@JayandSarah]

Sales numbers mean nothing. There's a lot of business with $1 billion in gross sales and a total loss.

[@dopemusic6414]

Can you tell me how much your business does?

[@marquitiaw]

​@dopemusic6414 lol

[@psp785]

7 locations nice

[@downey416Toronto]

Downey is my last name & huge in the city of Toronto... all the best to this guy

[@timtim2668]

Those recipes he learned from the inmates & commissary foods available in prison 😂

[@margothrapper3177]

Props to a Boss! :D Who's gonna open the franchise that's also Kosher; milk & meat distinct?? :p

[@kdsagar4570]

A Growth Mindset gives freedom to everyone 💫 (Have a Happy Life!✌)

[@redbunnytail9528]

Something visually cool about a tightly wrapped burrito, sliced n half. It look orderly. You know? That why if you add hot chips, it look even better. It feed the eye and if you know about mental illness, eating a well made burrito, can be this lifeline to sanity. I find that Jambalaya does the opposite. It's what you crave, when you mental. This look really good. And. I don't think Ali give himself enough credit for learning 'life lessons' from prison. Most prisoner might not agree.

[@victorbetton9198]

Now that’s an American story

[@Waltaere]

Cnbc 😃

[@passionfruitpassionfruit2034]

I am interested in a franchise in Mexico City

[@marik1104]

I want that hot cheeto burrito!! Cool story 👏😊

[@marquitiaw]

Right

[@katv4452]

I can't understand the concept of... I'm not allowed to drink alcohol or eat pork but ☝️I'll sell coke 🤔

[@FrankieGilleyJr-ed5xk]

How's the food ??? Anyone know ??

[@MrKennethkaigu]

Music track at 6:43

[@alfred8294]

He got me hungry!

[@danieljimenez8735]

Im driving from sf to la to go get some

[@maheeriftikhar8578]

Chad move

[@user-nw8zm2wu6o]

Mashallah brother

[@brrrburberry2554]

1 mil sales and 100k all yours

[@pullupina9687]

We all know where that million really comes from 🤐

[@mrobinson]

What's wrong with this guy? Ppl driving an hour to get great food is surprising to him? I'll drive a week to get good food! Am prepared to travel miles distances by plane to get what I want or luv! QED bro! The life of a true foodie & gourmet cook raised well by an excellent mother in the kitchen!

[@mrartdeco]

Meanwhile all those fake gurus and scammer went from $1.1 million to prison 💀

[@CaptainPlanet007]

A million in restaurant business is basically not much profitable.

[@Mltms1444]

يا فاطمة

[@abrahamgomez653]

Good for him but I am not a fan of owning a restaurant.

[@METALBUG999]

yeah working 7 days a week with no health benefits no 401k no real long term security. didn't make it yet.

[@MoneyMan28]

Don’t make a kid because it costs like $100,000 dollars from 0 to 18 years

[@nicholaslandolina]

The schwarma is a buritto

[@mohamedelbiali7748]

This guy is a g I go to his restaurant all the time. Super nice muslim man

[@Skatamska]

That would be convenient if I got subtitles when someone speaks Welsh.

[@Mltms1444]

يا على

[@caprinathomas3890]

Yess yummy ❤

[@zhibekmukhamedina6159]

This info is misleading, the place opened four months ago, how do I know this because I went there to get interview for cashier position. I did not like the working conditions because their ac was not running at all! It seemed like poor working conditions. How come you make 1.8 million just in 4 months after opening. The answer is don’t believe everything you watch on social media 😂😂😂

[@adamhuffman3354]

A lot of money to be made in culinary arts. Just creating something new, yea it is very hard work and time consuming, but you can certainly make a good living. And who doesn’t want something good to eat?

[@elizerpineda3534]

I am Mexican myself and I hate to see other Mexicans working for middle eastern people selling food from a place they’re not even from. I would much rather see a Mexican on top working for themselves and pursing their own dream, than making another person rich. But unfortunately that’s why our culture is so lost in terms of values.

[@mujahidhussain8815]

Yummy 😊

[@alwayfunnyvideo]

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