Former L'Albatros GM Brandon Chrostowski just signed a lease to open EDWINS, a restaurant that will serve as a training program to help people reentering society after prison to gain relevant job skills. Chrostowski will open the eatery, which will be located in the former Grotto Wine Bar space at Shaker Square, this fall.

"The food will be industrial French -- I've only worked in French restaurants, so it's kind of like taking that cuisine and putting an industrial twist on it," Chrostowski says. "For the City of Cleveland, I think it's got to have that flavor and punch to it."

Edwins will offer a six-month training program modeled after Chrostowski's alma mater, the Culinary Institute of America. Participants learn cooking fundamentals as well as "front of house" managerial skills. Chrostowski has relationships with judges and nonprofit reentry programs to help identify candidates and provide additional support.

After participants have completed the six-month program, they'll be paired with an industry professional through the "big chef/little cook" program. The long-term goal is to help trainees find meaningful employment in the restaurant industry.

Chrostowski, whose passion for the progam is motivated by a prior stint behind bars and the help he received getting back on his feet, is currently fixing up the space. The price points will be comparable to other restaurants at the Square, he says, adding that the experience will be professional and won't feel like a student-run restaurant.

Edwins is a nonprofit organization. Chrostowski raised money from foundations and individuals to support his dream since he first launched the effort in 2007.

"It's kind of amazing what a community can do when you believe in something," he says.

Source: Brandon Chrostowski
Writer: Lee Chilcote