N.C. Business Supports Cleveland Returning Citizens Program

Nonprofits facing financial and operational challenges because of the COVID-19 pandemic are grateful for supporters who are able provide new grants at this difficult time. Donations from the private sector, including Bob Barker Company, Inc., of Fuquay-Varina, N.C., have helped EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute, which offers formerly incarcerated students a chance to gain foundational culinary and hospitality skills, ensure its EDWINS Management Fellowship program resumes.

During the pandemic, EDWINS, the subject of the 2018 Academy Award nominated documentary “Knife Skills,” had to reimagine its daily operations while on-the-job training was halted due to shutdown orders. This included its culinary-based curriculum and the Fellowship program that, in an industry that lacks diversity, helps graduates prepare for management roles on their path to business ownership. According to 2018 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, only 10.7% of food service managers are Black.

Nancy Johns, Chief Operating Officer for Bob Barker Company, Inc., says their foundation has awarded several grants to EDWINS in the past, but felt this moment required additional support of $25,000 directly from the company.

“Our team members strongly endorse the EDWINS approach of providing formerly incarcerated adults with a foundation in the culinary and hospitality industries and the support network necessary for long-term success. This is an important initiative that deserves the funds to make it sustainable. We encourage others to join us in backing the EDWINS Management Fellowship,” says Johns.

EDWINS’ year-long Fellowship is comprised of hands-on instruction, independent study, University of Michigan leadership classes and written examinations. One Fellow is selected from each EDWINS graduating class and is expected to maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA and exceptional attendance. Participants identify a track to pursue, Dining Room Management and Operations or Kitchen Management and Operations, and they earn a salary and are eligible to receive health benefits.

“There is a definite bias and absence of inclusion, whether conscious or unconscious, that continues to permeate the industry,” says Brandon E. Chrostowski, the CEO, President and Founder of EDWINS Leadership & Training Institute. “This is our firm commitment to eliminate barriers for those who have returned to society, post-incarceration, and have the passion to excel. We appreciate the generous donation of Bob Barker to help us get the Fellowship on track. We also know the restaurant sector will return, better than ever, and we must be ready.”

The Fellowship is the next step towards Chrostowski’s vision of reimagining re-entry. EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute and its most recent additions, a Butcher Shop and Bakery & Training Center, are recognized as a national model for re-entry with more than 350 graduates, a 95% employment rate and less than 1% recidivism.

Chrostowski notes, “Momentum is on our side and this is our chance to break the glass ceiling. We must diversify the restaurant industry, its participants and our future leaders.”

For more information on EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute and the EDWINS Management Fellowship, visit EdwinsRestaurant.org or call 216-921-3333.