{{short description|American chef, restaurateur, and politician}} {{Use mdy dates|date=April 2021}} {{Infobox person | name = Brandon Chrostowski | image = Jb house.jpg | alt = | caption = Chrostowski cooking at the James Beard House in New York City | birth_name = Brandon Edwin Chrostowski | birth_date = <!-- {{Birth date and age|YYYY|MM|DD}} for living people supply only the year with {{Birth year and age|YYYY}} unless the exact date is already widely published, as per WP:DOB. For people who have died, use {{Birth date|YYYY|MM|DD}}. --> | birth_place = Detroit, Michigan | death_date = <!-- {{Death date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} (DEATH date then BIRTH date) --> | death_place = | education = | alma_mater = The Culinary Institute of America | occupation = {{hlist|Chef|Restaurateur|Politician}} | years_active = | known_for = Founder and President of EDWINS Leadership and Restaurant Institute | notable_works = | website = {{URL|http://edwinsrestaurant.org/}} }}
'''Brandon Chrostowski''' is an American chef, restaurateur, and politician currently residing in Cleveland, Ohio. He is the founder, president, and chief executive officer of EDWINS Leadership and Restaurant Institute, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that acts as both a French restaurant and a culinary institute located in Cleveland's Shaker Square. It trains and is staffed largely by former prison inmates and was the subject of the 2017 Academy Award-nominated documentary short, ''Knife Skills''. Chrostowski is also a certified sommelier and a fromager. He ran for mayor of Cleveland in 2017.
==Early life and education== Chrostowski was born and grew up in Detroit, Michigan.<ref name="NPR">{{cite news | last=Hartke| first=Kristen| title =Oscar-Nominated 'Knife Skills' Showcases Ex-Cons And Odd Ducks In The Kitchen| publisher =NPR| date =March 3, 2018 | url =https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2018/03/03/590357455/oscar-nominated-knife-skills-showcases-ex-cons-and-odd-ducks-in-the-kitchen| access-date =November 24, 2018}}</ref><ref name="CleveMayor">{{cite news | last=Tobias| first=Andrew J.| title =Edwins restaurant CEO Brandon Chrostowski announces Cleveland mayoral bid| publisher =Cleveland.com| date =February 2, 2017 | url =https://www.cleveland.com/cityhall/index.ssf/2017/02/edwins_ceo_brandon_chrostowski.html| access-date =November 24, 2018}}</ref> When he was 18, he was charged with resisting arrest after originally being suspected of a drug-related offense.<ref name="Esq2018">{{cite magazine | last=McMahan| first=Dana| title =EDWINS in Cleveland Is Teaching Former Inmates How to Run a Restaurant| magazine =Esquire| date = March 2, 2018| url =https://www.esquire.com/food-drink/restaurants/a13161623/edwins-cleveland-restaurant/| access-date =November 24, 2018}}</ref> A judge could have imposed a 10-year prison term but instead sentenced Chrostowski to one year of probation.<ref name="Crains">{{cite news | last=Crea| first=Joe| title =Chrostowski returns to Edwins with big plans on tap| publisher =Crain's Cleveland Business| date =October 8, 2017 | url =https://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20171006/news/137986/renewed-focus-brandon-chrostowski-makes-big-plans-edwins| access-date =November 24, 2018}}</ref> Soon after this, he began working with Detroit chef, George Kalergis, who became his mentor.<ref name="Crains40">{{cite news | last=Nobile| first=Jeremy| title =Brandon Chrostowski, 35| publisher =Crain's Cleveland Business| date =November 21, 2015 | url =https://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20151121/FORTY15/151129970/brandon-chrostowski-35| access-date =November 24, 2018}}</ref><ref name="Paste">{{cite magazine | last=Hall| first=Jenn| title =Edwins Restaurant in Cleveland Offers Ex-Offenders a New Start| magazine =Paste| date =February 22, 2017 | url =https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2017/02/or-edwins-restaurant-in-cleveland-offers-ex-offend.html| access-date =November 24, 2018}}</ref> This led him to The Culinary Institute of America in New York where he earned an associate's degree in culinary arts and a bachelor's degree in business and restaurant management.<ref name="FW2017">{{cite news| last =Kramer| first =Jillian| title =Meet the Ex-Con Chef Running for Mayor of Cleveland| publisher =Food & Wine| date =June 28, 2017| url =https://www.foodandwine.com/news/politics/brandon-chrostowski-ex-con-chef-cleveland-mayor| access-date =November 24, 2018| archive-date =September 22, 2017| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20170922093117/http://www.foodandwine.com/news/politics/brandon-chrostowski-ex-con-chef-cleveland-mayor| url-status =dead}}</ref><ref name="Acton">{{cite news | last=Stanley| first=Sarah| title =Kitchen Redemption: An interview with Brandon Chrostowski| publisher =Religion & Liberty| date =November 11, 2015 | url =https://acton.org/kitchen-redemption-interview-brandon-chrostowski| access-date =November 24, 2018}}</ref>
==Career==
===2000–2007: Early career in Chicago, Paris, and New York=== After finishing his studies, Chrostowski apprenticed under Charlie Trotter at his namesake restaurant (Charlie Trotter's) in Chicago.<ref name="Cle2013">{{cite news | last=Kramer| first=Jillian| title =Food for Thought| publisher =Cleveland Magazine| date =September 30, 2013 | url =https://clevelandmagazine.com/in-the-cle/people/articles/brandon-chrostowski| access-date =November 24, 2018}}</ref><ref name="DB">{{cite web | last=Carrier| first=Shannon| title =From Serving Time to Serving Food: EDWINS' Winning Recipe| website =Daily Beast| date =October 13, 2018 | url =https://www.thedailybeast.com/from-serving-time-to-serving-food-edwins-winning-recipe| access-date =November 24, 2018}}</ref> He then moved to France where he worked under Jean Bardet in Tours<ref name="Fresh2010">{{cite news | last=Trattner| first=Douglas| title =i live here (now): brandon chrostowski| publisher =FreshWater| date =November 11, 2010 | url =http://www.freshwatercleveland.com/features/chrostowski111110.aspx| access-date =November 24, 2018}}</ref> and Alain Senderens in Paris. For six months, he held a position at the entree chaud and patisserie station at Senderens' Paris restaurant, Lucas Carton. Around 2005, he returned to the United States, working as saucier at Terrance Brennan's Manhattan restaurant, Picholine.<ref name="Cle2013"/><ref name="CS2015">{{cite news| last =Trattner| first =Douglas| title =Slow Your Roll: EDWINS Goes Crazy for Tableside Carts| newspaper =Cleveland Scene| date =December 29, 2015| url =https://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2015/12/29/slow-your-roll-edwins-goes-crazy-for-tableside-carts| access-date =November 24, 2018}}{{Dead link|date=September 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> He also worked in the kitchens at Le Cirque and Chanterelle in Manhattan.<ref name="DB"/> He worked his way up to manager at the latter restaurant, which was owned by Karen and David Waltuck.<ref name="Cle2013"/><ref name="NYER">{{cite magazine | last=Larson| first=Sarah| title =An Oscar-Nominated Documentary About Fine Dining and Life After Prison| magazine =New Yorker| date =February 6, 2018 | url =https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/an-oscar-nominated-documentary-about-fine-dining-and-life-after-prison| access-date =November 24, 2018}}</ref>
In 2007, Chrostowski incorporated the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, EDWINS Leadership and Restaurant Institute. He had originally written a business plan for the organization in 2004 with the goal of offering professional culinary training, housing, clothing, counseling, and life-skills classes to current and former inmates.<ref name="Crains"/><ref name="DB"/><ref name="Cleve2012">{{cite news | last=Crea| first=Joe| title =L'Albatros Brasserie's Brandon Chrostowski aims to create a restaurant to train, employ ex-offenders| publisher =Cleveland.com| date =September 25, 2012 | url =https://www.cleveland.com/dining/index.ssf/2012/09/lalbatros_brasseries_brandon_c.html| access-date =November 24, 2018}}</ref> The name comes from Chrostowski's own middle name (Edwin), which he inherited from his grandfather. It is also shorthand for "Education Wins."<ref name="CNN">{{cite news | last=Toner| first=Kathleen| title =Restaurant gives ex-offenders a recipe for success| publisher =CNN| date =March 17, 2016 | url =https://www.cnn.com/2016/03/17/us/cnnheroes-brandon-chrostowski-edwins-cleveland/index.html| access-date =November 24, 2018}}</ref><ref name="CleveBeard">{{cite news | last=Snook| first=Debbi| title =Edwins' Cleveland team takes on New York City, Oscars, tonight's dinner (photos)| newspaper =The Plain Dealer| date =January 24, 2018 | url =https://www.cleveland.com/cooking/index.ssf/2018/01/edwins_cleveland_team_takes_on.html| access-date =November 24, 2018}}</ref> Chrostowski moved to Cleveland in around 2008.<ref name="Cle2013"/><ref name="Forbes">{{cite magazine | last=Husock| first=Howard| title =Cooking, Not Crime: Ex-Cons Hot In Cleveland| magazine =Forbes| date =September 3, 2015 | url =https://www.forbes.com/sites/howardhusock/2015/09/03/cooking-not-crime-ex-cons-hot-in-cleveland/#2ace7215a44e| access-date =November 24, 2018}}</ref> While there, he earned a job as a manager at the French brasserie, L'Albatros. He would later become the restaurant's sommelier, fromager, and general manager.<ref name="Cle2013"/><ref name="Fresh2010"/><ref name="Cleve2012"/>
===2008–2016: Life in Cleveland and founding EDWINS=== While working at L'Albatros, Chrostowski began to raise money for his EDWINS venture via fundraisers and private donations.<ref name="Cle2013"/><ref name="Forbes"/> Initially, he developed an EDWINS program for currently imprisoned inmates at the Grafton Correctional Institution and the Northeast Pre-Release Center,<ref name="FW2017"/><ref name="Cle2013"/> which he began in 2011.<ref name="DB"/><ref name="HP">{{cite news | last=Ruiz-Grossman| first=Sarah| title =Chef Who Spent Time In Jail Now Trains Other Ex-Offenders In Culinary Arts| work =HuffPost| date =June 28, 2016 | url =https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/brandon-chrostowski-edwins-leadership-restaurant-institute_us_576c53b3e4b017b379f564d9| access-date =November 24, 2018}}</ref> In September 2012, Chrostowski publicly revealed his business plan in an effort to garner more donations.<ref name="Cleve2012"/> In March 2013 at a TED Talk in Cleveland, he gave a speech about the difficulties former inmates face after being released from prison. He also announced that he would resign from his position at L'Albatros to focus exclusively on EDWINS.<ref name="Forbes"/><ref name="FreshTED">{{cite news | last=O'Brien| first=Erin| title =ideas worth spreading: tedxcle hopes to light a fire under our collective behinds| publisher =FreshWater| date =March 14, 2013 | url =http://www.freshwatercleveland.com/features/tedxcle2013031413.aspx| access-date =November 24, 2018}}</ref> In July 2013, he purchased a building in Cleveland's Shaker Square and began renovating it to accommodate the restaurant and training center.<ref name="Cle2013"/> The restaurant opened in November 2013 and was staffed by around 55 former inmates at its outset.<ref name="CleveOpening">{{cite news | last=Crea| first=Joe| title =Edwins Restaurant, outreach to former prisoners returning to workforce, opening Nov. 1| publisher =Cleveland.com| date =October 23, 2013 | url =https://www.cleveland.com/dining/index.ssf/2013/10/edwins_restaurant_outreach_to.html| access-date =November 24, 2018}}</ref> A total of about 80 students entered the initial class with about 35 "graduating" the six-month program.<ref name="STL">{{cite news | last=Agnew| first=Jenny| title =Oscar-nominated documentary "Knife Skills" examines a restaurant through the eyes of its founder, an ex-convict| publisher =St. Louis Magazine| date =March 12, 2018 | url =https://www.stlmag.com/dining/oscar-nominated-Knife-Skills-examines-a-restaurant-through-the-eyes-of-its-founder-an-ex-convict/| access-date =November 24, 2018}}</ref><ref name="FW2018">{{cite news| last =Sherman| first =Elisabeth| title =Oscar-Nominated Documentary 'Knife Skills' Takes You Behind the Scenes of a Kitchen Run by Ex-Convicts| publisher =Food & Wine| date =January 24, 2018| url =https://www.foodandwine.com/news/oscar-nominated-documentary-knife-skills| access-date =November 24, 2018| archive-date =April 19, 2018| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20180419004836/http://www.foodandwine.com/news/oscar-nominated-documentary-knife-skills?| url-status =dead}}</ref>
By September 2015, the program had graduated 89 students.<ref name="Cleve2015">{{cite news | last=Jarboe| first=Michelle| title =Edwins Second Chance campus comes together on Cleveland's Buckeye Road (photos)| newspaper =The Plain Dealer| date =September 8, 2015 | url =https://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2015/09/edwins_second_chance_campus_co.html| access-date =November 24, 2018}}</ref> In November of that year, Chrostowski was listed on ''Crain's Cleveland Business''{{'}} "Forty Under 40" list.<ref name="Crains40"/> In March 2016, he was named one of 25 CNN Heroes for that year.<ref name="CNN"/><ref name="CleveCNN">{{cite news | last=Crea| first=Joe| title =Cleveland's Edwins Restaurant founder named a CNN Hero for 2016| publisher =Cleveland.com| date =March 18, 2016 | url =https://www.cleveland.com/dining/index.ssf/2016/03/clevelands_edwins_restaurant_f.html| access-date =November 24, 2018}}</ref> In August 2016, the EDWINS Second Chance Life Skills Center—a campus composed of three buildings with dormitories, a library, a test kitchen, and fitness center—was completed. Chrostowski had acquired the buildings for the project in Cleveland's Buckeye neighborhood in July 2015. The center is reserved for current members and alumni of the EDWINS program.<ref name="Cleve2015"/><ref name="FreshSecond">{{cite news | last=Connelly Rice| first=Karin| title =Edwins campus completes second phase| publisher =FreshWater| date =August 29, 2016 | url =http://www.freshwatercleveland.com/devnews/Edwins082916.aspx| access-date =November 24, 2018}}</ref><ref name="CS2016">{{cite news| last =Trattner| first =Douglas| title =EDWINS Expands its Reach with New Dorms, Second Chance Life Skills Center| newspaper =Cleveland Scene| date =August 24, 2016| url =https://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2016/08/24/edwins-expands-its-reach-with-new-dorms-second-chance-life-skills-center| access-date =November 24, 2018| archive-date =May 2, 2017| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20170502090332/http://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2016/08/24/edwins-expands-its-reach-with-new-dorms-second-chance-life-skills-center| url-status =dead}}</ref> In January 2017, Chrostowski appeared on an episode of ''Steve Harvey'' where he was honored as one of "Harvey's Heroes."<ref name="CleveHarvey">{{cite news | last=DeMarco| first=Laura| title =Edwins chef Brandon Chrostowski to be honored on 'The Steve Harvey Show'| newspaper =The Plain Dealer| date =January 25, 2017 | url =https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2017/01/edwins_chef_brandon_chrostowsk.html| access-date =November 24, 2018}}</ref>
===2017: Mayoral run and Academy Award nominated documentary=== In February 2017, Chrostowski announced his candidacy for the Mayor of Cleveland.<ref name="CleveMayor"/> To focus on his campaign, he took a leave of absence from EDWINS, appointing Tom Nobbe to temporarily fill his role.<ref name="Crains"/> In the September primary election, Chrostowski finished fourth out of nine candidates, accruing 9.5% of the vote and losing to long-time incumbent, Frank G. Jackson.<ref name="Idea">{{cite news | last=Castele| first=Nick| title =Where Cleveland Mayoral Candidates Found Strongest Support| publisher =IdeaStream| date =September 13, 2017 | url =http://www.ideastream.org/news/where-cleveland-mayoral-candidates-found-strongest-support| access-date =November 24, 2018}}</ref> He returned to his position as President of EDWINS soon after the election.<ref name="Crains"/>
That year, EDWINS was also the subject of the Thomas Lennon-directed documentary short, ''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7cW60vhP4Y Knife Skills]''. Chrostowski had met Lennon at a dinner party held by his former Chanterelle bosses, Karen and David Waltuck, in September 2013. He later agreed to let Lennon film the run-up to the restaurant's launch. The film largely focuses on EDWINS' opening night in November 2013 along with Chrostowski and the restaurant's trainees. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject at the 90th Academy Awards.<ref name="FW2018"/><ref name="CleveFilm">{{cite news | last=Bona| first=Marc| title =Edwins beginnings in Shaker Square captured in 'Knife Skills' documentary| publisher =Cleveland.com| date =October 3, 2017 | url =https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2017/10/edwins_beginnings_in_shaker_sq.html| access-date =November 24, 2018}}</ref>
=== 2018-2022: Restaurant and program expansion === In January 2018, Chrostowski led a group of EDWINS trainees preparing a dinner of fine French cuisine at the James Beard House in Manhattan.<ref name="CleveBeard" />
In March 2018, Chrostowski opened the Serenite Restaurant and Culinary Institute in Medina, Ohio. The restaurant operates similarly to EDWINS but has a focus on individuals recovering from drug and alcohol addictions. The center received a $300,000 grant from the state of Ohio to start the restaurant.<ref name="CleveSerenite">{{cite news | last=Snook| first=Debbi| title =Edwins' Cleveland leaders to open Serenite restaurant in Medina, supporting those recovering from addiction (photos)| newspaper =The Plain Dealer| date =February 1, 2018 | url =https://www.cleveland.com/cooking/index.ssf/2018/02/edwins_cleveland_leaders_to_op.html| access-date =November 24, 2018}}</ref><ref name="Cle2018">{{cite news | last=Hannan| first=Sheehan| title =Brandon Chrostowski's Next Fight? Addiction| publisher =Cleveland Magazine| date =June 12, 2018 | url =https://clevelandmagazine.com/food-drink/articles/brandon-chrostowski's-next-fight-addiction| access-date =November 24, 2018}}</ref> Chrostowski has finished the EDWINS Butcher Shop and Cafe near the EDWINS Second Chance Life Skills Center. It opened in December 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2018/12/edwins-butcher-shop-opens-aiming-to-offer-more-than-just-affordable-cuts-of-meat.html|title=Edwins Butcher Shop opens, aiming to offer more than just affordable cuts of meat|first=Marc|last=Bona|date=December 13, 2018|website=cleveland.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.crainscleveland.com/table/edwins-debuts-butcher-shop-hopes-its-catalyst-more|title=Edwins debuts butcher shop, hopes it's a catalyst for more|date=December 16, 2018|website=Crain's Cleveland Business}}</ref><ref name="CSButcher">{{cite news | last=Trattner| first=Douglas| title =Brandon Chrostowski's Putting Finishing Touches on Edwins Butcher Shop| newspaper =Cleveland Scene| date =October 24, 2018 | url =https://www.clevescene.com/cleveland/brandon-chrostowskis-putting-finishing-touches-on-edwins-butcher-shop-opening-soon-in-the-buckeye-shaker-neighborhood/Content?oid=25167381| access-date =November 24, 2018}}</ref><ref name="WOIO">{{cite news | last=Picciano| first=Jen| title =Edwins opens new butcher shop, Chef Sawyer pens new cookbook; more on Taste Buds| publisher =WOIO| date =October 30, 2018 | url =https://www.cleveland19.com/2018/10/30/taste-buds-edwins-new-butcher-shop-chef-sawyers-new-cook-book/| access-date =November 24, 2018}}</ref> Over the course of its existence, the EDWINS program has graduated over 350 former inmates, and EDWINS culinary classes are held in virtually all Ohio prisons.<ref name="Esq2018" /> In July 2019 Chrostowski opened up an Italian eatery helping the homeless. In partnership with the West Side Catholic Center the social enterprise launched on July 19, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://clevelandmagazine.com/food-drink/articles/first-look-ohio-city-pizzeria|title=First Look: Ohio City Pizzeria|website=clevelandmagazine.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/oh-cuyahoga/ohio-city-pizzeria-reopens-with-expanded-menu-and-new-social-purpose|title=Pizza served up with a purpose in Ohio City|date=July 16, 2019|website=WEWS}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wksu.org/post/ohio-city-pizzeria-offers-opportunities-former-inmates|title=Ohio City Pizzeria Offers Opportunities For Former Inmates|first=David|last=Williams|website=www.wksu.org|date=July 20, 2019 }}</ref> Chrostowski has continued his pursuit of building the best culinary school for returning citizens by opening the EDWINS Bakery on December 20, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2019/12/edwins-bakery-diner-coffee-shop-sets-opening-on-buckeye-road.html|title=EDWINS bakery-diner-coffee shop sets opening on buckeye road|last=Bona|first=Marc|website=www.cleveland.com|date=December 16, 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wkyc.com/article/life/food/edwins-bakery-opens-buckeye-shaker/95-f474ac8e-39df-4268-80f4-46f236acfabf|title=EDWINS Bakery opens in Cleveland's Buckeye-Shaker neighborhood today|last=Metzger|first=Stephanie|website=www.wkyc.com|date=December 20, 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.news5cleveland.com/lifestyle/food/edwins-bakery-training-center-to-bring-european-sweets-and-breads-to-clevelands-buckeye-neighborhood|title=EDWINS Bakery & Training Center to bring European sweets and breads to Cleveland's Buckeye neighborhood|last=Hlavaty|first=Kaylan|website=www.news5cleveland.com|date=December 19, 2019 }}</ref> This fresh bakery and "from scratch" diner provides a deeper baking and pastry education to students and provides fresh baked goods that "feed the soul" of the nearby community. Because of the commitment that Chrostowski has for the community and excellence exhibited in culinary arts, he was recognized by the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA) in March 2020 and named a recipient of the prestigious Silver Plate award.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2020/03/brandon-chrostowski-named-silver-plate-recipient.html|title=Brandon Chrostowski named Silver Plate recipient|last=Bona|first=Marc|website=www.cleveland.com|date=March 3, 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/video/ohio-chef-aims-to-give-ex-convicts-a-second-chance/|title=Ohio chef aims to give ex-convicts a second chance|last=Glor|first=Jeff|website=www.cbsnews.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.clevelandjewishnews.com/features/nosh/brandon-chrostowski-named-silver-plate-recipient/article_44cb90d8-5fe5-11ea-99be-9f6a75bdf807.html|title=Brandon Chrostowski named 2020 Silver Plate recipient|last=Raspe|first=Becky|website=www.clevelandjewishnews.com|date=March 9, 2020 }}</ref> Continuing to expand opportunity within the community through food Chrostowski opened edwins too,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-04-22 |title=Edwins Too brings incubator concept to Shake Square, helping aspiring chefs sharpen skills and launch businesses |url=https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/oh-cuyahoga/edwins-too-brings-incubator-concept-to-shake-square-helping-aspiring-chefs-sharpen-skills-and-launch-businesses |access-date=2022-03-15 |website=WEWS |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bona |first=Marc|date=2020-09-30 |title='Edwins Too' to take over Fire Food and Drink space in Shaker Square |url=https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2020/09/edwins-too-to-take-over-fire-food-and-drink-space-in-shaker-square.html |access-date=2022-03-15 |website=cleveland |language=en}}</ref> a community incubator and restaurant in 2021. With an endless drive to serve those who are incarcerated Chrostowski expanded the EDWINS education inside of various prisons and jails nationwide via tablets.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-12-22 |title=On the line at Edwins, where a restaurateur dishes out tough love to former inmates |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/food/2021/12/22/edwins-restaurant-training-former-inmates/ |access-date=2022-03-15 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Stern |first=Gary |title=Here's How This Former Le Cirque Chef Is Transforming The Lives Of Ex-Prisoner's |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/garystern/2022/02/22/edwins-leadership--restaurant-institute-combining-french-cuisine-with-a-mission/ |access-date=2022-03-15 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |first=Karin |last=Connelly Rice|date=September 15, 2021 |title=EDWINS campus is expanding with additional housing in Buckeye |url=https://www.freshwatercleveland.com/breaking-ground/EDWINSExpands091521.aspx |access-date=2022-03-15 |website=Cleveland - Freshwater Media |language=en}}</ref> He is also delivering culinary education to children <ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-05-18 |title=Edwins Too crew adds elementary students to cooking staff, new program teaches healthy nutrition and early career prep |url=https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/oh-cuyahoga/edwins-too-crew-adds-elementary-students-to-cooking-staff-new-program-teaches-healthy-nutrition-and-early-career-prep |access-date=2022-03-15 |website=WEWS |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |first=Karin |last=Connelly Rice |date=January 8, 2021 |title=EDWINS staff hosts virtual cooking classes for all ages, skill levels |url=https://www.freshwatercleveland.com/street-level/EDWINSonlineclass010821.aspx |access-date=2022-03-15 |website=Cleveland - Freshwater Media |language=en}}</ref> and at risk youths in high school.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bona |first=Marc |date=2022-03-09 |title=Edwins Leadership and Restaurant Institute to partner with Cleveland high school on culinary career technical education program |url=https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2022/03/edwins-leadership-and-restaurant-institute-to-partner-with-high-school-on-culinary-career-technical-education-program.html |access-date=2022-03-15 |website=cleveland |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-09 |title=EDWINS collaborating with Fredrick Douglass High School to bring new culinary tech program |url=https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/cleveland-metro/edwins-collaborating-with-fredrick-douglass-high-school-to-bring-new-culinary-tech-program |access-date=2022-03-15 |website=WEWS |language=en}}</ref> Because of the work Chrostowski pursues he has earned additional recognition in 2022 by having EDWINS named as one of fifty-two places for a changed world by the New York Times<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-01-10 |title=52 Places for a Changed World |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/travel/52-places-travel-2022.html |access-date=2022-03-15 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-01-11 |title=These 12 US spots were named the best places to travel in 2022 |url=https://curiocity.com/best-places-to-travel-us-2022/ |access-date=2022-03-15 |website=Curiocity |language=en-US}}</ref> and received the James Beard award semi-finalist nomination for outstanding restaurateur in the United States.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bona |first=Marc |date=2022-02-24 |title=Brandon Chrostowski, Jill Vedaa named James Beard Award semifinalists |url=https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2022/02/brandon-chrostowski-jill-vedaa-named-james-beard-award-semifinalists.html |access-date=2022-03-15 |website=cleveland |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Grzegorek |first=Vince |title=Jill Vedaa, Brandon Chrostowski Named Semifinalists in 2022 James Beard Awards |url=https://www.clevescene.com/cleveland/jill-vedaa-brandon-chrostowski-named-semifinalists-in-2022-james-beard-awards/Content?oid=38445954 |access-date=2022-03-15 |website=Cleveland Scene |language=en}}</ref>
=== 2023-Present: Deepening support in prisons across America and contributing abroad === In 2023 Chrostowski opened yet another supportive service when he purchased a building and turned it into a child care center for students as well as purchased a fourteen unit apartment building for families.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Non-Profit Edwins Launches Day Care and Family Center For Program Participants |url=https://clevelandmagazine.com/in-the-cle/news/articles/non-profit-edwins-launches-day-care-and-family-center-for-program-participants |access-date=2023-10-19 |website=clevelandmagazine.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=McCarthy |first=Caitlin |date=2023-08-28 |title=Edwin's expands family housing in Shaker Square to help students, employees rebuild after incarceration |url=https://www.cleveland19.com/2023/08/28/edwins-expands-family-housing-shaker-square-help-students-employees-rebuild-after-incarceration/ |access-date=2023-10-19 |website=www.cleveland19.com |language=en}}</ref> All the amenities are helping support not just local students but students traveling from afar that have completed the EDWINS tablet program while incarcerated. As of 2023 there are over 90,000 users of this program.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-07-19 |title=EDWINS continues re-entry outreach with tablet program for those incarcerated |url=https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/oh-cuyahoga/edwins-continues-re-entry-outreach-with-tablet-program-for-those-incarcerated |access-date=2023-10-19 |website=News 5 Cleveland WEWS |language=en}}</ref> In 2023 he was also recognized again by the James Beard Foundation receiving the finalist nomination for outstanding restaurateur in the United States.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-11 |title=EDWINS' Brandon Chrostowski crowned 2023 James Beard Award finalist |url=https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/oh-cuyahoga/edwins-brandon-chrostowski-crowned-2023-james-beard-award-finalist |access-date=2023-10-19 |website=News 5 Cleveland WEWS |language=en}}</ref> His belief that food can heal brought him to many different countries during war and conflict. It began with one of many trips to Ukraine,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-02-14 |title="I'm an American chef, in Ukraine I saw the heartbreak Russia has caused" |url=https://www.newsweek.com/russia-ukraine-war-american-chef-food-refugees-1780489 |access-date=2025-07-31 |website=Newsweek |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-27 |title=Chef Brandon Chrostowski returning to Ukraine |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/chef-brandon-chrostowski-returning-ukraine-133229412.html |access-date=2025-07-31 |website=Yahoo News |language=en-US}}</ref> Israel <ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-01 |title=Why US chef Brandon Chrostowski came to Israel during the war {{!}} The Jerusalem Post |url=https://www.jpost.com/international/article-771091 |access-date=2025-07-31 |website=The Jerusalem Post |issn=0792-822X |language=en}}</ref> and Djibouti<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pagonakis |first=Joe |date=2024-02-13 |title=Cleveland chef's missionary trip to Africa teaches cooking and life lessons |url=https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/cleveland-chefs-missionary-trip-to-africa-teaches-cooking-and-life-lessons |access-date=2025-07-31 |website=News 5 Cleveland WEWS |language=en}}</ref> For his impact in the culinary industry he received the prestigious James Beard Impact award "<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lattanzio |first=Story: Annie Nickoloff Art: Anna |title=Brandon Chrostowski Earns James Beard Foundation’s Impact Award |url=https://clevelandmagazine.com/food-drink/articles/brandon-chrostowski-earns-james-beard-foundation-s-impact-award |access-date=2025-07-31 |website=clevelandmagazine.com |language=en}}</ref> as well as the Auggie from the Culinary Institute of America.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The 2025 Augie Honorees |url=https://www.ciaalumninetwork.com/s/898/17/interior.aspx?sid=898&gid=1&pgid=1643 |access-date=2025-07-31 |website=www.ciaalumninetwork.com |language=en}}</ref>
==References== {{reflist|2}}
==External links== *[https://edwinsrestaurant.org/ EDWINS Leadership and Restaurant Institute]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Chrostowski, Brandon}} Category:Year of birth missing (living people) Category:Living people Category:American chefs Category:Politicians from Cleveland Category:American restaurateurs Category:Culinary Institute of America alumni Category:Chefs from Cleveland Category:American sommeliers