We’ve always known EDWINS (short for “Education Wins”) Leadership & Restaurant Institute is a special place. Now, Brandon Chrostowski, founder and CEO, is getting the recognition he deserves.
Chrostowski received the prestigious 2016 CNN Heroes award. He’s one of only 25 recipients worldwide, honored for making a significant difference in their communities. He opened EDWINS, a white-tablecloth French restaurant, at Shaker Square in 2013 to train and employ formerly incarcerated people in fine dining. “The CNN Hero award is an incredible honor,” Chrostowski says. “EDWINS has taken on a tough fight to change the face of re-entry and give everyone a fair and equal second chance, but I’m confident it’s a fight we’ll win.”
EDWINS’ demanding six-month program includes courses in culinary math, nutrition, gastronomy and haute French cuisine; graduates join culinary teams at Cleveland’s top restaurants. So far, EDWINS enjoys a zero-percent recidivism rate.