Case Application 2

More than a Restaurant

When you walk into Edwins, you assume it is just an upscale dining location that serves classic and contemporary French cuisine. But the restaurant also serves as a nonprofit rehabilitation center for those who have been incarcerated.⁷³ Referred to as a second chance life center by founder and executive director Brandon Chrostowski, Edwins Leadership Institute and Restaurant helps formerly incarcerated individuals by providing them with employment, education, and on-the-job training in the food-service industry.

It is challenging for a released felon to become a productive member of society. A felony conviction greatly impacts ones ability to secure future employment. The problem usually is not that they are unwilling to work, it is that their prison record precludes them from opportunities. And what happens to those who dont find work? They often return to prison. An estimated two-thirds of released convicts return to prison within five years.

Chrostowski was given a break when he was mentored and attended culinary school while on probation. He had served some time in jail as a juvenile offender, and because of the support he received, he worked his way to success in the restaurant business. Chrostowski worked as a chef in New York City and Paris before moving to Cleveland, Ohio, and eventually launching Edwins.

The goal of the program is to help former felons successfully reenter into society. The program not only teaches them skills in cooking and restaurant operations, but also offers a full support program for the students, including bringing in other former felons to share inspiration. They provide the 40 or so students in the six-month program a variety of assistance such as help finding housing, transportation, counseling, and other needed support services to help with reentry. The program also hopes to have an impact on the community of Cleveland by providing future leaders for vulnerable neighborhoods.

Their food is locally sourced and priced in the $30$40 range, creating a fine dining experience. Chrostowski notes they feel that they need to do better than competitors as restaurant patrons may be skeptical about the crews ability.

So far his efforts seem to be working. Not only have 114 students moved through the program in three years, they have received favorable reviews in impressive food columns such as The New York Times. The name Edwins comes from education wins, and it looks like that is the case here. Recognized as a CNN Hero in 2016, Brandon Chrostowksi has launched a winning venture that is offering a second chance to its students.

QUESTIONS:

10-13. Entrepreneurs are important because of the impact they have on the world around them. List and explain the different ways Edwins Restaurant benefits its community.

10-14. What characteristics do you think Brandon Chrostowski possesses that have helped him make this business a success?

10-15. Instead of a restaurant, Chrostowski could have opened only a nonprofit cooking school or training center to help former felons receive job training that would have benefitted them. Why is adding on the restaurant helpful?

10-16. Many entrepreneurs want to grow their business. Could Chrostowski grow this business? How?