EDWINS Launches Youth Culinary Program to Fight Violence With Flavor

EDWINS is tackling youth violence in Cleveland with a new hands-on culinary training program. Here's how they're blending mentorship with culinary skills.

When tragedy shook Buckeye-Shaker, Cleveland’s culinary scene stepped up. EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute is launching a hands-on youth culinary program, serving up hope and skillet skills to teens as a savory solution to local violence.

What’s Happening: A Response Cooked Up With Community

Heartbreak struck Cleveland’s east side with recent teen homicides. Instead of standing by, Brandon Chrostowski, EDWINS’ founder, teamed up with local activists to answer violence with purpose—and the kitchen became the proving ground. The new program offers a safe place to learn, earn, and belong, targeting students aged 13 and up.

Inside the New Culinary Program

Debuting November 9, this isn’t your average cooking class. It’s a comprehensive blend built to address real challenges teens face:

Basic culinary training led by pros
Job readiness and restaurant mentorship
Grief and trauma counseling tailored to youth
Conflict resolution from people who understand
On-the-job opportunities in real Cleveland kitchens

Chrostowski emphasizes one thing above all: “you’re going to receive this, a family.”

Local Restaurants Lend a Hand (and a Job)

Graduates won’t just earn kitchen cred—they’ll land paid gigs at some of Cleveland’s best. Already in for job opportunities are:

Dante
Crispy Chick
The Club Room at Fidelity Hotel
Edison’s Pizza
Geraci’s And it doesn’t stop there—over 20 establishments say they’ll open their doors to these future food stars.

Why This Matters for Cleveland’s Food Scene

Cleveland is known for banding together, and nowhere is that more evident than in our independent restaurant community. By forging a path from street to stove, EDWINS’ new program doesn’t just tackle violence—it invests in the next generation of chefs and hospitality pros. The city’s food scene grows stronger, one apprentice and one new hire at a time.

How Teens Can Apply

Applications are open right now. Getting started is as easy as popping in to either:

EDWINS Restaurant in Cleveland Heights
EDWINS Butcher Shop at 13024 Buckeye Road Teens (or their families) can apply in person and learn more about the program’s schedule, requirements, and support services. Spots are limited, so don’t sleep on this chance.

The Power of One Bite at a Time

EDWINS and Cleveland’s food family know there’s no quick fix to gun violence. But as Chrostowski says, “doing nothing is bad.” Community leaders hope that with every meal prepped and every line cook trained, the recipe for change gets a little stronger.

Ready to get involved, spread the word, or nominate a teen who needs a shot at something new? Stop by EDWINS—this is the kind of kitchen Cleveland needs right now.