“Community service gives me a valuable opportunity to walk into a different community that is less familiar to me but just as colorful and most importantly, in need.”
— Caroline Landry
Once I have attended to my home and work responsibilities during this pandemic, I find myself giving thought to how I can contribute to others. If there is time to lean in and “Be a helper,” as Mr. Rogers would say, this is it. I have a small circle of seniors whom I support. I also know individuals whose work has dried up and who live closer to the financial edge who could use some help. My eyes and purse are drawn to those without homes and shelter as I run my limited errands. Lastly, I try to direct my spending toward the smaller businesses in my community that I want to see make it through.
When we were first told to prepare ourselves for sheltering in place and social distancing, I made a trip to the grocery store. First stop was a smaller, privately owned Edwin’s Butchery for specialty items. I have become a fan of Edwin’s Restaurant and Leadership Institute whose focus is “to give formerly incarcerated adults a foundation in the culinary and hospitality industry while providing a support network necessary for their long-term success.” Their mission three-fold:
1. Teach a skilled and in-demand trade in the culinary arts.
2. Empower willing minds through passion for hospitality management.
3. Prepare students for a successful transition home.
This is a noble mission and the food is great as well. If you have a criminal record, it is hard to get a job, even in good times. Edwin’s on Shaker Square has been serving French food with panache and developing people since its founding in 2007. Under the leadership of Brandon Edwin Christowski the organization has grown its training center to include a bakery and butchery. I took turkey cooking classes at the Butchery this past fall to prepare for hosting my first family Thanksgiving. Brandon believes that “every human being — regardless of their past — has the right to a fair and equal future.” And every beginning cook like me should have a chance to learn.
With more than 100 graduates annually, Brandon Chrostowski had a big reason to keep Edwin’s afloat during this pandemic. It didn’t take long before he was advertising 4 for 40: Three course meals prepared for four people for $40 dollars, a different feature for each weeknight prepared and ready for pick up. It hasn’t been hard to want to support this endeavor and very innovative solution. The food is divine, the service still exceptional, and I know that my investment is helping others.
My neighbor and I pick a feature and I place the order and pick up. While waiting for our meal recently I observed a continuous line of cars at Shaker Square queing for pick up. With every week of the pandemic , Edwin’s has perfected their process and the following of good food for a great price has grown their customer base. On a good weekend night during normal times, Edwin’s Restaurant would have about 100 ‘covers.’ Ten weeks into the pandemic they are serving an average of 500 covers a day. This has made it possible for Edwin’s to stay open and to hire all of their recent graduates. Brandon is present every night and can be seen supporting his staff and even working the grill set up outside of the restaurant. This week they opened their outdoor dining. And with an eye on great service, good food, and our safety, I expect that they will do that very well.
Edwin’s not only maintained and increased their employment, they have grown the business and been a role model for other local restaurants who borrowed his concept and have started a new way of fine dining in Cleveland.
Edwin’s website says that Chrostowski’s philosophy is simple: “Make it happen. No matter what the problem is, it can be solved with hard work and care.” Brandon and his team applied this simple yet powerful philosophy to this unprecedented pandemic experience, and have prospered.
I celebrate their success and appreciate their innovation and effort.
It is a time to take care of yourself, your family, your workforce, and your community.
• How are you investing your dollars?
• Whose efforts do you admire and feel inspired by?
• In what ways are you making the most of this great challenge?
Leslie
“Edwins is so important because it thrives on supporting a completely underrepresented class of people.
It doesn’t so much coddle returning citizens as it expects the very best of them.
I love what I do because I know that my work has meaning.”
— Dee Drain, Director of External Affairs, Edwins