EDWINS Leadership and Restaurant Institute

When Brandon Chrostowski reached out to me to see if I would help him spread the word about his newest venture- EDWINS Leadership and Restaurant Institute, of course I said "Yes!" Brandon, the General Manager at Zack Bruell's L'Albatros, has helped make some nights really special for me at the restaurant. My last meal as I'm on my death bed? It would HAVE to include the cheese service from L'Albatros. I try to never miss their cheese dinner events, and many special occasions have been celebrated there. Brandon knows his stuff, and that is why I know without a doubt that this new concept will be successful in Cleveland.

EDWINS will be a non-profit restaurant that is devoted to helping returning ex-offenders integrate back into our community, while teaching them invaluable skills and hands-on job training. It will provide culinary training, life-skills classes, housing, clothing, counseling, and other important support services. Their services will be provided at no charge to its students. The restaurant will be open to the public, just as any other restaurant would be. This is an exciting and innovative concept, and one that they hope will catch on.

You can help! On Sunday, October 14th, EDWINS is hosting a fundraiser and launch party from 6-9PM. This event will feature chefs David and Karen Waltuck from New York's Chanterelle, Cleveland's own Karen Small from The Flying Fig, Zack Bruell of Parallax, Chris Hodgson of Hodge's, Paul Minnillo of Flour, and pastries from On The Rise. This great lineup of all-star chefs will create an unforgettable evening, and partner with potential EDWINS students to put out some great food to give us a taste of what's to come.

Only a handful of tickets are still available. Individual tickets are $200, or a pair for $350. You can purchase online via PayPal.

Your contribution helps to transform lives here in Cleveland!
$5,000 pays for one student’s tuition during the 26-week program
$2,500 pays for job placement and counseling services for two students
$1,000 helps furnish the new restaurant
$500 pays for life-skills classes for one student

All revenue from this event will help start EDWINS restaurant and training programs. To RSVP or make a donation, email brandon@edwinsrestaurant.org, or call 216.744.2606.

 

Disclosure: I was invited to attend the Launch Party, with a guest, in exchange for this post. However, I believe in this venture and would have shared this information with you regardless. The opinions stated are 100% my own.