Garden Grove, CA — Ibraheem Basir, a celebrated entrepreneur and cultural food innovator best known as the founder and chief executive officer of A Dozen Cousins, has died unexpectedly at the age of 39.
Basir passed away the night of March 5, 2026, at approximately 10:30 p.m., just days before he would have marked his 40th birthday. His sudden death has sent waves of sorrow through his family, friends, and supporters nationwide.
Basir was widely recognized for creating A Dozen Cousins, a line of ready‑to‑eat rice and bean products inspired by traditional Afro‑Caribbean and Latin American cuisine.
Under his leadership, the brand gained national prominence and was stocked in major retailers including Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods Market, and Sprouts Farmers Market. Through his work, he aimed to elevate cultural food traditions while making wholesome, flavorful meals accessible to diverse communities.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Basir’s passion for food was rooted in his upbringing within a large family where meals symbolized connection and celebration. He pursued higher education at the University of Pennsylvania, earning both his bachelor’s degree and an MBA.
Early in his career, Basir worked with major food companies, including time in Minneapolis with General Mills and advocacy for organic and sustainable foods at Annie’s Inc. These experiences helped shape his vision for his own enterprise.
During the COVID‑19 pandemic, Basir relocated to the Los Angeles area, where he poured his energy into building A Dozen Cousins from the ground up. Despite his business success, colleagues and loved ones stressed that he remained humble, grounded, and deeply committed to community upliftment.
He was known not only as an astute entrepreneur but also as a mentor and advocate for equitable access to nutritious food. Friends and family remember Basir as a devoted husband and father of two, a loyal son and brother, and a generous friend.
His warmth, encouragement, and belief in the power of community left a lasting impression on all who knew him. His legacy extended beyond business; through his work, he fostered cultural pride and inspired others to pursue purpose‑driven goals.
Plans for funeral prayers (Janazah) were scheduled for Friday, March 6, 2026, at noon at the Islamic Society of Orange County in Garden Grove, where family, friends, and community members gathered to honor Basir’s life and contributions.