Case Study

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.

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 one’s

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 don’t 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

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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 crew’s 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.

Discussion 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?

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