Podcast appearances and mentions of Brandon Chrostowski

Brandon Chrostowski is changing lives one plate at a time.

Brandon Chrostowski, a Detroit native with a turbulent youth, was granted a second chance at life at 18 when a judge chose probation over incarceration. That pivotal moment set the stage for the founding of EDWINS. EDWINS is more than just a restaurant—it's a mission-driven enterprise dedicated to transforming lives. By providing former inmates with an intensive culinary training program, EDWINS equips its students with essential life and professional skills, empowering them to build brighter futures after graduation. Chrostowski's vision has grown beyond the flagship restaurant. His culinary impact now includes EDWINS Too, a restaurant and culinary incubator; EDWINS Butcher Shop; and EDWINS Bakery and Diner. Each establishment not only serves up high-quality, affordable cuisine but also uplifts the Cleveland community, offering second chances that are as inspiring as they are delicious. **Breaking News! Edwins and Edwins Too are moving to the Nightown Complex in February 2025! Edwins Instagram Here Edwins Facebook Page Edwins Restaraunt Here Enrolling at Edwins Here _______________________________ Follow me on my Instagram or Facebook Podcast Facebook page here Check out KristiCapel.com Email: Kristicapelpodcast@gmail.com  

The Cleveland-based chef and 2023 James Beard award finalist talks EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute.

Founder, CEO, and president of EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute Brandon Edwin Chrostowski is renowned for changing culinary and hospitality training—in and out of the nation's prisons—while preserving French cooking traditions. His mission-driven effort to train and staff former prison inmates at his flagship French restaurant and nonprofit has created a national model for re-entry and an educational pipeline for formerly incarcerated to learn the discipline and skill of fine dining.Under Chrostowski's leadership, the EDWINS program boasts an extraordinary one percent recidivism rate, a testament to the efficacy of its approach. More than a CEO, Chrostowski is a catalyst for change, providing over one hundred formerly incarcerated adults with free culinary and hospitality arts training each year. Since its inception in 2007, the program has evolved into a multifaceted initiative, including Edwins Too—a culinary incubator and community kitchen; EDWINS Butcher Shop and Bakery and Diner; a Second Chance Life Skills Center with housing and wraparound services; EDWINS Family Center, a nonprofit offering free daycare to Institute students during class hours; on-site programs at Grafton Correctional Institute and Cuyahoga County Juvenile Detention Center; and a groundbreaking virtual curriculum reaching over 400,000 inmates in prisons across the country.A culinary virtuoso, Chrostowski's journey began with classical training as a chef and sommelier. He honed his skills at distinguished fine dining establishments in Paris, New York, and Chicago, including Lucas Carton, Chanterelle, Picholine, Le Cirque, and Charlie Trotter's. His culinary prowess has been celebrated with numerous accolades, including being a 2022 James Beard Award Semifinalist and a 2023 James Beard Finalist. Recognition also extends to the 2023 Jim Brown Changemaker Award, IFMA's 2020 Silver Plate, CNN's 2016 Heroes, and the prestigious Crain's “40 under 40” Awards.A proud alum of CIA, Chrostowski holds an associate degree in culinary arts and a bachelor's degree in business and Restaurant Management. He resides in Cleveland with his wife Catana and their children, Leo, Lilly, Lynx, and Lander.A Quote From This Episode"It's not like you come into a kitchen, and they say, 'Listen, this is how you're going to figure it out,' they just give you a task and you gotta figure it out."Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeFilm: Knife SkillsTV: CBS This Morning CNN HeroAbout The International Leadership Association (ILA)The ILA was created in 1999 to bring together professionals interested in studying, practicing, and teaching leadership. Register for ILA's 26th Global Conference in Chicago, IL - November 7-10, 2024.Adult Development Pre-Conference SessionAbout  Scott J. AllenWebsiteWeekly Newsletter: The Leader's EdgeBlogMy Approach to HostingThe views of my guests do not constitute "truth." Nor do they reflect my personal views in some instances. However, they are views to consider, and I hope they help you clarify your perspective. Nothing can replace your reflection, research, and exploration of the topic.

Brandon Chrostowski, CEO of EDWINS, joins the show to talk about his new program designed to help food entrepreneurs launch brick and mortar businesses. Later in the show, Robin tells an outrageous story about an incident involving her and her daughter at the hospital and more. 

Join us on the next episode of Undeniable with host Peter Cimoroni as we embark on a profound journey with Eric Torigian, founder of CHRO Solutions, exploring the raw power of tenacity and service rooted in our shared Armenian heritage. This conversation delves into survival, passion, and resilience, connecting generations and demonstrating the unyielding human spirit. Reflect on valuable life lessons passed on to children, shaping our present and empowering future endeavors. Navigate the dynamic world of HR leadership, uncovering the transformative impact of human connections and a nonconformist approach to problem-solving. Emphasize the strategic function of people management and the indispensable role of frontline leadership. Gain insights and tools for cultivating strong, consistent leadership. Discover the mission-driven work of Brandon Chrostowski and the Edwin's Leadership and Restaurant Institute, celebrating the transformative power of opportunity. Acknowledge communication technology milestones, including Verizon's contribution, and emphasize authenticity in coaching for success. Tune in to explore the threads of service, tenacity, and purpose weaving together for business advantage and personal fulfillment. Connect with Peter Cimoroni and Eric Torigian through their respective websites. Connect with Peter Cimoroni: Website - ⁠Learn about business best practices | Palladium (palladiumedge.com)⁠ Eric Torigian can be reached at: Website: ⁠CHRO Solutions - Human Resources, Consulting Advisory (chro-solutions.com) EPISODE CHAPTERS: (0:00:00) - Business Advantage Through Service and Tenacity (0:06:55) - HR Leadership and Importance for Performance (0:17:13) - HR in Small to Mid-Sized Businesses (0:26:17) - Coaching for Success and Authenticity (0:29:56) - Verizon, Voicemail, and Supporting a Mission EPISODE CHAPTERS WITH SUMMARIES: (0:00:00) - Business Advantage Through Service and Tenacity (7 Minutes) Warm welcome to Eric Torigian, exploring the importance of tenacity and its impact on our drive to succeed. Reflect on ancestral stories, emphasizing passion and resilience. (0:06:55) - HR Leadership and Importance for Performance (10 Minutes) Journey through a dynamic HR career, highlighting human connections and a nonconformist approach. Discuss the intertwining of art and science in leadership. (0:17:13) - HR in Small to Mid-Sized Businesses (9 Minutes) Explore challenges in establishing effective HR practices. Emphasize the strategic role of people management and the importance of consistency in leadership. (0:26:17) - Coaching for Success and Authenticity (4 Minutes) Explore the mindset for success and the critical role of authenticity in leadership. Highlight resources, including a 12-week HR Bootcamp. (0:29:56) - Verizon, Voicemail, and Supporting a Mission (1 Minute) Celebrate voicemail innovation and Verizon's role. Spotlight mission-driven work, giving a fair chance to formerly incarcerated individuals. HIGHLIGHTS: 0:02:03 - The Power of Tenacity (82 Seconds) 0:04:27 - Armenian Genocide and Holocaust Blueprint (64 Seconds) 0:11:21 - Transformational HR Work (80 Seconds) 0:15:35 - Infinite Search Solutions Sponsorship Announcement (42 Seconds) 0:19:42 - Consistency and Respect in Leadership (70 Seconds) 0:23:15 - Disruptive Approach to Being a Server (27 Seconds) #ProfoundJourney #HRLeadership #Opportunity #AuthenticLeadership #BusinessAdvantage #Podcast #LeadershipInsights --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bloodtime/support

Broken Yoke Ranch, owned and operated by Darrell and Dawn Fleming-Kendall, is located right in Thompson Ohio. They provide fresh quality produce as well as different meats and poultry at great prices, that can all be found in their farm store called the Oxe Shoppe. This is all awesome but that's not it, what they really excel at is providing hope and training to people with barriers to employment. This leads to greater production on local farms and provides meaningful jobs that teach a certain skill set to those who may need the extra leg up. The Broken Ranch is a non-profit organization currently collaborating with Brandon Chrostowski from the restaurant Edwin's to host the first fundraiser. The Public event is coming up on August 17th from 6-8pm at The Western Reserve Land Conservancy and will be a local dinner and wine pairing with ALL of the food and drinks being sourced locally! Tickets will be $200 and will go towards furthering the substantial and incredible dreams at the Broken Yoke Ranch!

Brandon Chrostowski, president of EDWINS, joins the show to talk about a novel concept that could help to get guns off of the streets in cities.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/1570677/advertisement

The restaurant and hospitality industry is one of the leading sources of jobs not just in America, but across the globe. What an individual learns working in a kitchen, front of house, behind a bar, or in support of a restaurant can serve as lifelong skills to develop across industries. Chef Brandon Edwin Chrostowski knows this better than most people, not just because he's made a career for himself in the restaurant industry, but he's made it his goal to give as many people as possible a career in the space alongside him, with Edwins Leadership & Restaurant Institute. At eighteen years old Chef Brandon received a ‘break' from a judge who gave him a year of probation instead of a ten year prison sentence. After his probation, he studied under Detroit Chef George Kalergis, and worked his way to the Culinary Institute of America in New York. Upon graduating from the CIA, Chef Brandon worked in renowned kitchens around the world like Charlie Trotters, Lucas Carton, and Le Cirque. Then in 2007, Chef Brandon founded Edwins Leadership & Restaurant Institute, which trains people returning from court involvement in the culinary arts, empower them with a passion for hospitality management, and prepare students for a successful transition home. The Impact of Edwins was so great, it was the subject of the 2017 Oscar nominated documentary Knife Skills. So far hundreds of folks have passed through the 6 month program at Edwins, and graduates have held a 95% employment rate with less than 1% recidivism into the court system. In addition, Edwins has expanded to include a butcher shop, bakery, a sister restaurant location, and with a full blown housing complex and campus. If it's not already obvious why we wanted to talk with Chef Brandon already, we wanted to sit down with him to discuss what it takes to build a winning culture, the importance of giving everyone the support and opportunity to work, and the power of food, restaurants, and treating everyone with respect and dignity. This is definitely an episode you're not going to want to miss, so with that…let's bring it in!

Is the American prison system designed to punish or rehabilitate? Brandon Chrostowski joins the podcast and he runs a non-profit organization to help former inmates.  From Brandon's Wikipedia page: Brandon is an American chef, restaurateur, and politician currently residing in Cleveland, Ohio. He is the founder, president, and chief executive officer of EDWINS Leadership and Restaurant Institute, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that acts as both a French restaurant and a culinary institute located in Cleveland's Shaker Square. It trains and is staffed largely by former prison inmates and was the subject of the 2017 Academy Award-nominated documentary short, Knife Skills. Chrostowski is also a certified sommelier and a fromager. He ran for Mayor of Cleveland in 2017.   One Republican, one Democrat, one black, one white, both devoted Christians that love the Lord and one another! Follow each week as Bill and Odell Find Common Ground!    To learn more, please visit our website http://www.thecommonground.show/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brandon Chrostowski is an American chef, restaurateur, and politician who lives in Cleveland, Ohio. He is the founder, president, and chief executive officer of EDWINS Leadership and Restaurant Institute, a non profit organization that acts as both a french restaurant and a culinary institute. On this episode, Brandon shares his story of traveling to Ukraine to assist in a humanitarian mission. He is also planning an upcoming trip and let's us know how we can get involved, as one person is not too small to make a difference. www.edwinsrestaurant.orgBrandon@edwinsrestaurant.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chef Brandon Chrostowski has worked in some of the world's most prestigious restaurants. But he'd never cooked in a kitchen with sandbags next to the windows. Or with air raid sirens wailing nearby. Mr. Chrostowski recently flew from Cleveland to Ukraine to feed people displaced by the war. Also today's stories, including: the United States and Jordan have peace talks amid Israeli-Palestinian violence, hate speech, and leadership woes, Do children need to be protected from books? The controversy reaches Roald Dahl, and Kurdish exiles have long felt safe in Sweden from the Turkish government's reach. But Ankara holds Sweden's key to NATO. What price will it ask? And what price will Stockholm pay?

Brandon Chrostowski is the Founder, President & CEO of EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute based in Cleveland Ohio. If you were visiting Cleveland and happened upon his restaurant, you might think it's just a traditional French restaurant, but in fact, it's a 501c3 nonprofit focused on providing education, training, and support for those who are formerly incarcerated. After training as a chef himself, Brandon started by teaching in Grafton Correctional Institution in 2011 and now has the French restaurant, a butcher shop, bakery and edwins too; a culinary incubator, community kitchen, event and makers' space. Having had over 600 people go through their program, their recidivism rate is impressive. Brandon's is such an incredible story! Where you can find EDWINS:- Website: https://edwinsrestaurant.org- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edwinscle/- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edwinsCLE- Physical location: 13101 Shaker Square, Cleveland, OHMentions from the show:- Culinary Institute of America: https://www.ciachef.edu- Chef Charlie Trotter: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_TrotterStay in touch with People, Place, & Purpose on Instagram and stay tuned for a new episode every Monday!

Is the American prison system designed to punish or rehabilitate? Brandon Chrostowski joins the podcast and he runs a non-profit organization to help former inmates.  From Brandon's Wikipedia page: Brandon is an American chef, restaurateur, and politician currently residing in Cleveland, Ohio. He is the founder, president, and chief executive officer of EDWINS Leadership and Restaurant Institute, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that acts as both a French restaurant and a culinary institute located in Cleveland's Shaker Square. It trains and is staffed largely by former prison inmates and was the subject of the 2017 Academy Award-nominated documentary short, Knife Skills. Chrostowski is also a certified sommelier and a fromager. He ran for Mayor of Cleveland in 2017.   One Republican, one Democrat, one black, one white, both devoted Christians that love the Lord and one another! Follow each week as Bill and Odell Find Common Ground!    To learn more, please visit our website http://www.thecommonground.show/     This podcast is produced by BG Podcast Network. For advertising inquiries, please reach out to J.southerland@bgadgroup.com   For more information be sure to visit https://www.bgpodcastnetwork.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KFOR's Dale Johnson talks with Chef Brandon Chrostowski, award winning chef, founder, president and chief executive officer of EDWINS Leadership and restaurant Institute

Some people learn from their mistakes; others grow. Brandon Chrostowski received a second chance and is now internationally recognized for affording others the opportunity for redemption. Join SPARK hosts Peter Lawson Jones and David Udelf as they interview Brandon, a Cleveland, Ohio, restauranter, who is changing the face of re-entry for those imprisoned.

Brandon Chrostowski discovered his career path in restaurants after an arrest nearly landed him in prison. Years later, he founded EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute to provide training in culinary arts and hospitality for formerly incarcerated adults in Cleveland, OH. “'Broken,' ‘discounted,' ‘damaged,' ‘a threat' - this is what the majority of people think about someone who's returning home from prison,” says Chrostowski. EDWINS helps change that perception. “It's not the scarlet letter, it is in fact a golden ticket to new places.” The institute also provides assistance with finding employment, free housing, basic medical care, clothing, job coaching, and literacy programs. Join us to hear about how people are overcoming their worst moments to find success and stability.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Championship Leadership, we are honored to have with us Brandon Chrostowski, American chef, Founder, and CEO of EDWINS Leadership and Restaurant Institute, and featured as one of 25 CNN Heroes of the Year in 2016. He will share his incredible journey from being a former law offender to becoming one of the best chefs that give a real second chance to formerly incarcerated individuals. As a former offender himself, Brandon knows the importance of having a second shot in life and believes that everyone, in spite of the past, should be provided with equal opportunity to a better future. With this idea, he was motivated to help former inmates achieve a way of success by granting them culinary education and leadership training through EDWINS non-profit organization. These and more! Do not miss this life-changing episode!

Join us as we the Academy Award nominated American Chef and innovator of Edwin's. The enlightened and deeply empathetic American award winning Chef and Business Leader Brandon Chrostowski. Thank you to this episode's sponsors! ServPro: www.servpro.com Next Level Continuing Education: https://www.facebook.com/NextLevelCE/ Edwins: www.edwinsrestaurant.org Montrose Auto Group: www.gomontrose.com Thinking about starting your own podcast? Visit us at: www.maverickpodcasting.com!

Brandon Chrostowski is an American chef, better known as founder, president and CEO of EDWINS Leadership and Restaurant Institute. The nonprofit organization acts as both a French restaurant and a culinary institute located in Cleveland's Shaker Square. It trains and is staffed largely by former prison inmates and was the subject of the 2017 Academy Award-nominated documentary short, Knife Skills. Chrostowski joined us for the origin story of EDWINS and explains how it continues to grow despite challenges presented to the restaurant and hospitality industry during the pandemic.

Brandon Edwin Chrostowski is on a mission to change the face of re-entry in the United States. In 2007, he founded EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute. His belief that “every human being regardless of their past has the right to a fair and equal future” is what has driven the creation of EDWINS. The idea for EDWINS was born “from a break” that Chrostowski received early in life and has grown into a six-month program conducted at EDWINS restaurant in Cleveland, Ohio as well as in prison. His approach is simple: arm those re-entering society with a skill set and a smile. The program provides training in Culinary Arts and the Hospitality Industry. Individuals are not only equipped with basic culinary skills, but also are assisted with finding employment, have the opportunity to utilize free housing, basic medical care, clothing, job coaching, and literacy programs. Chrostowski began his career in Detroit sixteen years ago and has since trained in some of the world's finest restaurants. He received an Associate's degree in Culinary Arts and a Bachelor's degree in Business and Restaurant Management at The Culinary Institute of America. He apprenticed at Chicago's legendary restaurant, Charlie Trotters and after graduation worked at Lucas Carton, Paris' longest standing Michelin 3-star restaurant. At Lucas Carton, Brandon began to develop cutting-edge skills, while learning the intricacies of a French kitchen. After spending time in Europe, Brandon decided to return to the United States to refine further what he learned in France. In New York City, Brandon worked at Le Cirque as a Chef de Partie and then as a saucier at Picholine. After spending several years in the kitchen, Brandon decided to expand his restaurant knowledge by working in the dining room. He chose Le Pavilion in upstate New York, which is owned and operated by former CIA instructor Claude Guermont. At Le Pavilion, Brandon learned the dynamics behind professional table service.Brandon then had the opportunity to manage Chanterelle in New York City, a New York Times and James Beard award-winning restaurant, while working under the tutelage of restaurateurs Karen and David Waltuck. At Chanterelle, Brandon also worked closely with Master Sommelier Roger Dagorn. Certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers in 2008, Brandon was the General Manger, fromager and sommelier of L'Albatros Brasserie for nearly five years building it into one of Cleveland's finest restaurants. Leaving in 2013 Brandon commitment to EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute has grown, teaching in prisons and opening its flagship restaurant. Today EDWINS Leadership and restaurant Institute graduates nearly 100 students a year between its prison program and restaurant institute. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

For the past 14 years, Brandon Chrostowski has been in the life changing business.  EDWINS Leadership Institute and Restaurant was founded in 2007 with the belief that every human being, regardless of their past, has a right to a fair and equal future. The program gives formerly incarcerated adults a foundation in the culinary and hospitality industry, teaching skills in the culinary arts, empowering willing minds through passion for hospitality management, and providing life skills training to support their transition back to home. Edwins, recognized as one of the midwest's best French restaurants, has been the proving ground for these students since 2013. EDWINS Leadership and Restaurant Institute graduates nearly 100 students a year.  After finishing the program or after release from prison graduates have gained employment in Cleveland's finest restaurants and are sought after by other restaurateurs. More than 95% of graduates find employment and fewer than 1% go back to a life of crime. I talk to Brandon about the Edwins training philosophy, the institute's expansion which now includes a butcher shop, bakery, and a business incubator, and the annual fundraiser event, La Bastille. We also talk about the nuances of exceptional service and hospitality, the landscape for restaurants coming out of the pandemic, and why people love that Edwins burger.

Host Jeff Tubaugh is joined by two special guests taking a different approach to the restaurant business. Both Joe DeLoss & Brandon Chrostowski have open hiring policies that provides people with a second chance at getting back on their feet. Joe is the owner of Hot Chicken Takeover and Brandon is the restaurant owner of Edwin's and Edwin's Institute, a 501(c)(3) organization that trains formerly incarcerated adults in the culinary arts. Learn more about this unique and inspiring approach to business and how it's impacted the surrounding community for the better.

Seamus talks to new Menlo parent, Brandon Chrostowski about the virtual cooking classes that he is offering students and families at Menlo Park Academy.

Brandon Chrostowski joins us on episode 13 to share details on how EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute mentors students as they navigate re-entry. From training and employment to housing and medical care, tune in to learn more about how EDWINS provides a platform for creating a fair and equal future for formerly incarcerated adults.

Brandon Chrostowski joins Michael to talk about his fascinating life story, including how at just 18 years old, he was staring at a potential prison sentence. Chrostowski speaks on how these events led him to become a successful chef, restaurateur, and politician. During the conversation, they discuss incarceration, the “turn around” stories Chrostowski witnessed first-hand, what it means to have a plan in life, Chrostowski's business, Edwins Leadership and Restaurant, and the importance of serving others.  *Please excuse the audio in this episode - it gets a little scratchy at times, but we hope you can bear with us!  Website: https://edwinsrestaurant.org/Instagram: @edwinscle Michael's most recent album ‘Work Hard And Be Nice' is out now: https://orcd.co/work-hard-and-be-nice Keep in touch with Michael online: www.michaelfranti.com The Stay Human podcast is available wherever you listen to podcasts: www.stayhumanpodcast.com PODCAST EPISODE CREDITS:Executive Producers: Michael Franti and Activist Artists ManagementProducer: Angie Griffith for Activist Artists ManagementArtist Manager: Caitlin Stone for Activist Artists ManagementManagement Coordinator: Ashley Dill for Activist Artists ManagementSocial Media Manager: Emily Marquis for Coffeehouse CollectiveIn Partnership with: American Songwriter Podcast Network (Dan Wise, COO)  Audio Editing by: Adam Hendricks for Resonate Recordings

Brandon Chrostowski joins Michael to talk about his fascinating life story, including how at just 18 years old, he was staring at a potential prison sentence. Chrostowski speaks on how these events led him to become a successful chef, restaurateur, and politician. During the conversation, they discuss incarceration, the “turn around” stories Chrostowski witnessed first-hand, what it means to have a plan in life, Chrostowski’s business, Edwins Leadership and Restaurant, and the importance of serving others.  *Please excuse the audio in this episode - it gets a little scratchy at times, but we hope you can bear with us!  Website: https://edwinsrestaurant.org/Instagram: @edwinscle Michael’s most recent album ‘Work Hard And Be Nice’ is out now: https://orcd.co/work-hard-and-be-nice Keep in touch with Michael online: https://michaelfranti.com/ The ‘Stay Human’ podcast is available wherever you listen to podcasts: https://linktr.ee/stayhumanpodcast PODCAST EPISODE CREDITS:Produced by: Michael Franti and Activist Artists ManagementProduction Lead: Angie GriffithArtist Manager: Caitlin StoneManagement Coordinator: Ashley Dill Social Media Manager: Emily Marquis for Coffeehouse CollectiveIn Partnership with: American Songwriter Podcast Network (Dan Wise, COO)  Instrumental from: “Crazy For You” by Michael Franti Audio Editing by: Adam Hendricks for Resonate Recordings

EDWINS CEO-President and Founder Brandon Chrostowski spoke with WTAM's Mike Snyder about EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute is a 501(c)(3) organization. EDWINS gives formerly incarcerated adults a foundation in the culinary and hospitality industry while providing a support network necessary their long-term success. Our mission three-fold: is to teach a skilled and in-demand trade in the culinary arts, empower willing minds through passion for hospitality management, and prepare students for a successful transition home. EDWINS Leadership and Restaurant was founded in 2007 with the belief that every human being, regardless of their past, has a right to a fair and equal future. In 2011, we started teaching in Grafton Correctional Institution. Shortly thereafter, we opened the restaurant on Nov. 1, 2013.Students are not only equipped with basic culinary skills, but are also assisted with finding employment, and have the opportunity to utilize free housing, legal services, basic medical care, clothing, job coaching, literacy programs and more.

After an introduction about protests, riots and police brutality, Alex grills Brandon Chrostowski, President and Founder of EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute, to find out how he managed to achieve 52% revenue growth during these trying times. They also discuss all the new things happening at EDWINS, how COVID-19 has disproportionately affected poorer communities, how to increase minority management and presence in fine dining restaurants, what we can do to help, and much more. https://youtu.be/lw1K3GsmWMM   Notes Recent personal and professional wins How Brandon's purpose-driven mission generated 52% revenue growth during the pandemic Updates on what's going on at EDWINS    How COVID-19 has affected his students/employees The power and value of strong support systems and promoting good self-esteem How to increase minority management and presence in fine dining restaurants  What the community can do to help and how a special spoon represents the importance of details and “leveling the playing field” Speaking, consulting, and moving his model to other industries How to get political support Overcoming fear and stigma Links Ep 46 – Cooking up a Better Future – Meet Brandon ChrostowskEDWINS Leadership & Restaurant InstituteDespite the terrible coronavirus price paid by marginalized communities of color, nothing will change if we do not make it change: Brandon E. Chrostowski Op-Ed: Heeding the Humanity of Former Prisoners

Brandon Edwin Chrostowski is on a mission to change the face of re-entry in the United States. In 2007, he founded , with the belief that every human being regardless of their past has the right to a fair and equal future. Under Chrostowski's leadership, EDWINS has grown to include culinary education and life skills training at its flagship Cleveland, Ohio restaurant and Second Chance Life Skills Center, a program at Grafton Correctional Institute, and curriculum for inmates of all 30 Ohio prisons. A trained chef and sommelier, Chrostowski has worked at some of the finest restaurants in Paris, New York, and Chicago, including Lucas Carton, Chanterelle, Picholine, Le Cirque and Charlie Trotter's. He earned dozens of awards including CNN Heroes, Crain's 40 under 40 and The Richard C. Cornuelle Award from the Manhattan Institute for Social Entrepreneurship and is the subject of the Academy Award nominated documentary, Chrostowski holds an Associate's degree in Culinary Arts and a Bachelor's degree in Business and Restaurant Management from The Culinary Institute of America. He is married to Catana and is the proud father of Leo and Lilly.

500 Sq Feet of Pastries and the Track “Love Note to Jim” shocked the Indie Music World by winning Week 4 Pop. With 18 votes, the trio of Drew McCoy, Jake Speer, Blake Shepherd are going to the Final Four. Learn about the DIMM live stream taking place on Tuesday July 16th, which will also feature members of The Typical Johnsons, MC Picker Fence and The Nautical Theme. Daniel Diesel conducts an exclusive interview with Barry Leggett and Kathy Leggett from the Dayton Access Television show “Dayton Music Scene”. Learn how just 4 years ago, they were just an average couple going to local concerts, until they had a big vision. They discuss what music bands were great to do business with, who were divas and what they look for in good musicology. The couple detail the hometown success of their show and make a big announcement about an expansion to “Dayton Music Scene” franchise that is first revealed on this episode. Read article at- https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2019/07/ohio-citypizzeria-to-open-with-unique-non-profit-ownership.html Brandon Chrostowski, Christopher Terry and John Litten from Ohio City Pizzeria in Cleveland is this episodes OH MVP! On Last of Ohio, Daniel wants you to forget about the things you Hate, during America’s Birthday. Remember what you love about yourself. Happy Forth of July to all podcast listeners. Visit www.facebook.com/groups/daytonsindiemusicmadness to learn of music events in the Miami Valley. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ohioisonfire/message

On this episode, we move from Shaker Square’s past… to its present. We hear from the Square’s current owner, Peter Rubin of The Coral Company, about why the Square is 100% leased for the first time in 15 years — and about what’s still not working on the Square. Also, Donita Anderson of the ever-popular North Union Farmers Market; Joe Dawson and Brandon Chrostowski of Edwin’s Restaurant and Leadership Institute; patrons at Dewey’s Coffee Shop; and Fourth District Cleveland Police Commander Brandon Kutz.

In this conclusion of a two-part interview, Sam talks with Brandon Chrostowski, founder and CEO of EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute in Cleveland, Ohio. Listen in as Sam and Brandon discuss the culture of care at EDWINS and how it impacts the students personally and professionally. In this episode, you will also hear from EDWINS graduate and current Head Resident Advisor for the institution, Bryan Sides, about his experience with the program. Join the movement to reduce recidivism by removing barriers to successful reentry. Learn more at prisonfellowship.org/secondchances Discover Prison Fellowship's Warden Exchange Program at pfm.org/warden-exchange For more information about Prison Fellowship, contact prisonfellowshippodcasts@pfm.org music by Podington Bear under a Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License (http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/Grit/Blammo) Learn more about EDWINS at https://edwinsrestaurant.org/about-us/brandon-edwin-chrostowski/

In this first of a two-part interview, Sam sits down with Brandon Chrostowski, founder and CEO of EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute in Cleveland, Ohio. EDWINS is a fine dining restaurant and 6-month training program with a simple approach: "arm those re-entering society with a skill set and a smile." EDWINS has been featured in the critically acclaimed documentary shorts, Knife Skills and 100 Second Chances. Listen in as Sam and Brandon discuss the importance of second chances, the founding of EDWINS, and the importance of mentorship. Join the movement to reduce recidivism by removing barriers to successful reentry. Learn more at prisonfellowship.org/secondchances Discover Prison Fellowship's Warden Exchange Program at pfm.org/warden-exchange For more information about Prison Fellowship, contact prisonfellowshippodcasts@pfm.org music by Podington Bear under a Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License (http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/Grit/Blammo) Learn more about EDWINS at https://edwinsrestaurant.org/about-us/brandon-edwin-chrostowski/

Chef Brandon Chrostowski gets real and preaches some serious truth to me during this week's interview. He's a celebrated chef who's doing what I want to do - help ex-convicts by harvesting the power of food to do good!

Josh interviews Thomas F. Lennon and Brandon Chrostowski, Director and principle from the Oscar-Nominated Documentary "Knife Skills" I wrote an article about Justice Kennedy's retirement. I also wrote an article about my own experiences in Solitary Confinement. You can watch the entire documentary "Knife Skills" on YouTube. Brandon also did a Ted Talk. If you want to visit Edwin's, check out their website and make a reservation the next time you are visiting Cleveland.

This week’s podcast features Brandon Chrostowski, founder of Edwins Leadership & Restaurant Institute. Edwins is an organization that exists to provide skilled training and a number of resources to ex-offenders. 6 million people in the US are imprisoned or under community control and face dozens of obstacles after their release. Employment is one of the largest obstacles they face when attempting to re enter society. It is a vital aspect of their journey because it can help ensure that these offenders don’t become repeat offenders upon their release. Unfortunately, about 60% of ex-offenders are still unemployed up to a year after imprisonment. Edwins seeks to give these people a second chance. Their belief is that every human being deserves a fair and equal future, regardless of their past. Hear how this foundation is equipping individuals with skills and resources that will open up countless opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable to them.

Download Episode Here Have dinner with Alex, Molly, and Mr. Brandon Chrostowski, President and Founder of EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute. EDWINS is a nationally-recognized restaurant serving traditional French cuisine, which has evolved from a culinary program in Ohio prisons into a full-service campus which is training and changing futures for formerly convicted felons. Hear all about Brandon's journey and inspiration, his Oscar-nominated documentary "Knife Skills", and his run for mayor in this remote interview direct from EDWINS in Shaker Square. Besides learning what's next for EDWINS, you'll find out what makes Molly's parties the best ones, and how Jewish people remodel their homes. As Marvin Gaye once said: "Let's get it on!" Stay tuned after the interview for a 10-Minute Legal Talk with Litigation Attorney Nicholas Weiss discussing an important clause in contracts that you may be mistakenly ignoring. Find out more about EDWINS at edwinsrestaurant.org , and check for a screening near you of "Knife Skills" at www.knifeskillsthemovie.com. Sérénité Restaurant in Medina is now open, and you can learn more at www.sereniterestaurant.com. Brandon gave a TEDx Talk titled "A Recipe for Rebuilding Lives" which can be found at www.youtube.com/watch?v=qs6fEKFhI5M. A number of other TED talks were recommended in this episode: Brené Brown's TED talks include "The power of vulnerability" and "Listening to shame" can be viewed here: www.ted.com/speakers/brene_brown. Her book is called Rising Strong and her website is brenebrown.com. Jean Makesh's (BPE episode 13) TEDx Talk titled "Disrupting Alzheimer's and Dementia Care" can be found at www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTcxRlTx9b8 Jeff Hoffman's (BPE episode 2) TEDx Talk on "The Power of Wonder" can be found at www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcV4RXC-V94   See all the photos from the 2018 CVCC Awards Night, including the champagne dress, at www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfEGyPzaTXY&t=1s The full video of the Awards Night can be found here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFqXL_veZck. Alex wins Chamber Member of the Year at 32:50, and Molly interviews Oscar-winning Director Lee Unkrich at 46:27. See the Year in the Life of a Chamber Member video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCNeVNH1hxs. SHOW NOTES: * 1:22 Alex wins Chamber Member of the Year and Molly throws the party of the year * 12:42 Molly is in the job that was made for her * 17:34 Big Announcement - Grove Hill is in the Cleveland International Film Festival April 11th * 19:59 Kitchen Hell at the Geblers * 24:28 Alex's Ant Problem * 27:57 What really matters * 30:39 Who is TED and why does everyone love his Talks? * 32:14 Molly makes corrections from the last episode * 34:10 Back to the Future to an amazing dinner at EDWINS * 36:48 Why we love Brandon * 38:08 Who should be our next guest? * 43:00 Brandon hosts Alex and Molly; the "EDWINS Experience" * 44:34 The journey that led to the creation of EDWINS * 47:18 Brandon makes an impression on Molly at the Chagrin Film Festival * 48:37 "Knife Skills" Documentary and embracing self-doubt * 50:48 Life in the EDWINS kitchen * 53:18 Brandon's run for Cleveland Mayor * 56:32 Who is Mrs. Chrostowski? And Brandon's life lessons for his children * 58:23 A bite of Bananas Foster * 58:58 What is "success" at EDWINS * 1:00:51 Goals and the future of EDWINS at Shaker Square * 1:02:17 Lessons learned while facing racism & obstacles * 1:05:51 A special kind of business and Serenite opens in Medina * 1:07:32 Working with former addicts; providing support through the campus and resources * 1:11:50 Imagining Cleveland under Mayor Chrostowski * 1:16:03 Serenite in Medina is open for business * 1:17:59 Mama Chrostowski * 1:18:49 Lightning Round * 1:20:33 Brandon goes to the Oscars and drops some names * 1:23:41 Lightning round continued  

How one social entrepreneur is giving formerly incarcerated people a second chance with training in the culinary arts The post Serving Second Chances With Every Plate: Brandon Chrostowski of EDWINS Leadership Restaurant Institute appeared first on SEE Change Magazine.

It's been several days since the Oscars, and I'll admit it: I was keenly disappointed when Knife Skills didn't win for Best Documentary Short. But now that I've had a few days to reflect on the Oscars as a whole (go, Frances McDormand, go!), and now that I've listened to part two of my interview with Knife Skills filmmaker Tom Lennon and Cleveland chef-restaurateur Brandon Chrostowski, I've realized that it was a winner regardless of Sunday's outcome.  Why? Because the film has succeeded in making more people aware of the multifaceted problems recently released convicts face in reentering the community. And that awareness has resulted in positive steps by the restaurant that stars in the film, Edwins, and the related Edwins Leadership Institute. As Brandon notes: "Since the time of the shooting, we built a campus, so there's housing for people; there's a fitness center, a library. There's graduate housing. Got another building, working on a butcher shop. We're [Edwins Leadership Institute] in 13 prisons now."    What makes the film even more amazing is that, as you'll hear in this episode, Knife Skills was shot on a shoestring budget and was turned down by Netflix, HBO, and Hulu—which is why serious eaters can watch it for free on The New Yorker's website.    That's why I think Knife Skills comes out on top, no matter how the Academy voted. The film represents a triumph of determination, artistic expression, and genuinely life-affirming extended-family values.  Watch it, listen to our conversation, and decide for yourself.    ----------- The transcript for this episode can be found here on Serious Eats.

After a White House meeting with CEOs of U.S. steel and aluminum manufacturers earlier this week, President Trump announced his intention to place tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. While members of the administration like Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross defended the move, domestic and international markets and governments responded very differently. The Dow plunged 500 points after the announcement, Canada threatened an “all-out” trade war and the European Union threatened to impose tariffs on American exports like bourbon. The president claims the tariffs benefit U.S. industries, but many who work in steel-dependent industries bear the scars of President George W. Bush’s one-year tariff on imported steel. Steve Lester, owner of QMF Steel, talks about the potentially disastrous consequences that President Trump’s tariffs could have on the steel business. Brandon Chrostowski, founder of Edwin’s Leadership & Restaurant Institute in Cleveland, Ohio, talks about his work trying to give former convicts a second chance at life through the restaurant business. “Knife Skills”, a documentary about Edwin’s, received an Oscar nomination for Best Documentary Short.

We don't usually make a big deal about the Oscars on Special Sauce, but when I saw the brilliant Oscar-nominated documentary short Knife Skills, I knew I wanted to talk about it. The film shows what happens when Cleveland chef/restaurateur Brandon Chrostowski opens Edwins, a white-tablecloth French restaurant staffed almost entirely by recently released convicts who are reentering the workforce. As I previously wrote on Serious Eats, Knife Skills is funny, deeply moving, and brimming with humanity. So this week, in anticipation of this weekend's Oscars ceremony, I invited Brandon and the filmmaker behind the documentary, Tom Lennon, a longtime friend of mine, to come on Special Sauce to talk about their extraordinary collaboration.   For Brandon, a hardscrabble childhood that nearly ended in incarceration was saved by a demanding chef and mentor he worked for in Detroit when he was 18. "I finally found a place that would push back on whatever energy level I would exert.... There was always something to do, and there were so many personalities. It just fit with the way my body and mind are wired." While working for the late, great Charlie Trotter in Chicago, he learned that "you can do anything with what you have, no matter what the situation or how deep or how tough."    With Edwins, and the Leadership Institute he created alongside it, Brandon set a lofty goal: "changing the face of reentry, and that's going to take a couple of lifetimes, but I knew that the right lens could accelerate that." That lens turned out to be Tom Lennon's, and Knife Skills was the result.    Was the making of Knife Skills a political statement? Tom says no: "I didn't have any agenda. I just stumbled into this, it sounded like a good story, and I just filmed what I found. I think that that was an advantage. I'm not sitting here preaching to you about a political assertion I'm already confident in. That's not what it is. I'm just having you encounter a bunch of people in a very, very dramatic and difficult situation at a very difficult stage in their lives...really anxious, vulnerable, complex people who are yearning to not screw up again.... Then you, the viewer, I'm asking you to think about what you saw."   Take Marley, who says in Knife Skills that, in the throes of her drug addiction, "I'd wake up and be so mad to be alive." Marley has her ups and downs in the film, but all Brandon can do is provide a path to forgiveness: "I can't tell someone to be ready for this opportunity. What I can do is always leave that door open." Thinking about the process, Brandon told me: "When you're demanding excellence, you understand that maybe someone's not going to be able to do that, but can they do that for a moment, and can we make that moment a little longer each day, so that they can do that for an entire shift?.... If you get the right heart in there, that has the right energy and affection, that will breed hospitality. We'll work on the finer points, but just give me someone who cares and is going to work hard."   When you listen to this moving episode of Special Sauce, you can't help but notice how honest Tom and Brandon are, much like the film itself. You can watch the film here. And after you do, I bet you'll join me in rooting for Knife Skills when you watch the Oscars.    .......................... The full transcript for this episode can be found on Serious Eats: https://www.seriouseats.com/2018/03/special-sauce-the-team-behind-knife-skills-the-oscar-nominated-documentary.html

Brandon Chrostowski was given a second chance at life when he faced a judge after having a run in with the law. Rather than taking it for what it was, Brandon was determined to provide the same chance to others, so he created Edwin's, a restaurant staffed entirely by formerly incarcerated adults. Filmmaker Thomas Lennon follows him and his students on their mission to build the greatest French restaurant in the United States, creating Oscar Nominated “Knife Skills.”

Brandon hails from Detroit, Michigan. It was in Detroit where he found his mentor and started living intentionally. On this new found path, he eventually found himself studying at the Culinary Institute of America.  After graduating he started working in some of the best kitchen in the world including Lucas Carton, Le Cirque, and La Bernadin to name a few. Today, he is serves as founder of Edwin, the first ever French in-spired restaurant which also serve as a culinary institute for recently released state prisoners. He's been featured in news papers and magazine all over the country and in 2015 was awarded the title of a CNN Hero for his work.