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Brandon Chrostowski is changing lives one plate at a time.
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.
Producing exceptional athletes at the Air Force Academy can be quite challenging, especially when it comes to the wrestling team, currently led by Head Coach Richard 'Sam' Barber. Before assuming the role of head coach, Barber spent five years as a full-time assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the Falcons, initially starting as a volunteer assistant during the 2008-09 season.
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.
One of the most unique aspects of Tri-C's Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Scholars Academy is its capstone course, HUM 2020: Community Engagement. In this episode of the More Human podcast, Professor Matt Laferty and Mandel Scholars Hannah Fuller and Emily Penner join Dean Jordan to discuss the work they did in Fall 2022 with EDWINS Leadership and Restaurant Institute.
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
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!
Marc Bona, features writer, cleveland.com spoke to Bill about Black Door Tavern set to open this month - New York Times includes Edwins Leadership & Restaurant Institute on ‘changed world' list - Ohio's Donniella Winchell named to 10 ‘Most Inspiring People' list in wine industry
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.
Two Red Cross blood drive partners - the Cuyahoga County Public Library System and Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse were honored with 2021 Hero Awards for continuing to host blood drives throughout the pandemic. And Brandon Chrostowski of Edwins Leadership and Restaurant Institute is the non-profit partners featured on this episode. He helps teach formerly incarcerated men and women the restaurant business and life skills.
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
EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute in Cleveland, Ohio, educates people like no other establishment. They teach formerly incarcerated people the skills necessary to run a fine dining restaurant and their philosophy of second chances has led to an incredible recidivism rate of less than 1% for the graduates of the program. Founded in 2007 with the belief that every human being, regardless of their past, has a right to a fair and equal future. 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. Today, between their prison program and restaurant and institute at Shaker Square, EDWINS Leadership and Restaurant Institute graduates nearly 100 students a year. If you'd like to learn more about EDWINS, check out their website - edwinsrestaurant.org and if you enjoy this episode, please consider giving Helpful Humans a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you prefer to listen to your audio.
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.
Timestamps0:55 – A Second Chance12:40 – Chef Brandon Chrostowski Joins the Show13:29 – EDWINS Leadership and Restaurant Institute16:12 – Providing Hope19:48 – Culinary Math & Life Lessons23:48 – The Application Process27:33 – The Teaching Process32:06 – The Campus35:28 – Finding Success37:07 – Knife Skills39:22 – Success Stories41:53 – A Typical Day43:39 – COVID1950:50 – The Future of EDWINS55:35 – Favorite & Least Favorite Dishes1:04:12 – How to Apply or Contribute1:05:30 – Brandon's Inspirational Quote
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/
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.
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.
Truly authentic French cuisine served in a fine-dining environment. Allow EDWINS Restaurant to take you on a French adventure. Under Edwins amazing leadership we are able to create a program to lead Cleveland into the future. Without all of our participants this wouldn't be possible. An educational program that provides 6 months of intensive training in food preparation, food service, and hospitality.