Chef Brandon Chrostowski once found himself without direction, cycling in and out of jail. That all changed when he found his calling in the kitchen, eventually founding Edwins Leadership and Restaurant Institute.
The program teaches incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals fine dining techniques and culinary skills, helping them re-enter society with dignity, confidence, and job-ready experience.
From Prison To Fine Dining: Edwins’ Mission
Edwins was founded with a purpose: to provide incarcerated individuals with a second chance. By offering hands-on training in culinary arts and hospitality, participants gain the skills necessary to thrive in a professional kitchen.
Chef Chrostowski emphasizes that Edwins is more than a school; it’s a community and a way of life that helps restore a sense of humanity and dignity to those often forgotten by society.
Culinary Training Behind Bars
Edwins’ culinary training program takes place at Grafton Correctional Institution, where participants learn everything from knife skills to food safety and sanitation certifications. This innovative program has expanded beyond just kitchen skills, as participants also grow crops in the institution’s garden.
The hands-on curriculum culminates in events such as a recent five-course fine dining meal served by the incarcerated men, showcasing their proficiency in both culinary arts and gardening.
Long-Term Support After Graduation
Once participants are released, Edwins continues to support them. The organization offers housing, job placement, childcare, and even health insurance.
Graduates of the program often work at Edwins’ fine dining restaurant, bakery, or butcher shop in Cleveland, but those who find jobs elsewhere always have a home base and career support at Edwins.
Conclusion:
Edwins Leadership and Restaurant Institute is transforming lives by giving incarcerated individuals a second chance through culinary education and job training. By offering hands-on experience and long-term support, the program empowers participants to rebuild their lives,
find meaningful employment, and reintegrate into society with dignity. More than just teaching cooking skills, Edwins fosters a sense of community and humanity, proving that everyone deserves the opportunity to grow and succeed.
FAQs
1. What Does Edwins Culinary Program Teach?
The program provides incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals with culinary training, from fine dining techniques to safety certifications, alongside life skills and long-term support.
2. Who Founded Edwins Culinary Program?
Chef Brandon Chrostowski founded Edwins after realizing the need for a program that teaches job skills to incarcerated people, giving them a second chance.
3. What Is The Goal Of Edwins?
Edwins’ mission is to humanize and empower incarcerated individuals by providing them with job-ready skills, a sense of community, and long-term support after their release.
4. Where Does Edwins Provide Training?
Edwins offers training at Grafton Correctional Institution and in its Cleveland campus, which includes a restaurant, bakery, and butcher shop.
5. How Does Edwins Support Graduates?
Graduates receive job placement assistance, housing, childcare, health insurance, and access to ongoing career guidance through Edwins.
Edwins Leadership and Restaurant Institute is redefining rehabilitation by providing incarcerated individuals with culinary training and community support, empowering them to re-enter society with dignity and practical skills. Through food, Edwins delivers a message of hope, humanity, and second chances.
