Cleveland restaurant opens 4-week cooking class for teens

Four weeks. That is the duration of a new culinary training program opening in Cleveland on Monday, Nov. 9. The initiative targets youth ages 14 and older. It launches in response to recent violence in the area.

The program will primarily operate from the Edwins location on Cedar Road. Participants will learn cooking fundamentals and kitchen safety. They will also study teamwork and professional communication. The curriculum includes resume writing and interview preparation. Mentorship and grief counseling are part of the schedule.

Brandon Chrostowski, founder and CEO of Edwins Leadership & Restaurant Institute, announced the initiative. He noted that recent violence claimed the lives of several young people. One victim was the brother of a current student. Another was the son of an Edwins graduate. Chrostowski described the goal as bringing a family to those who feel they have no other options.

Charlotte Thomas attended the announcement. Her 17-year-old son, Johnathan Bradley, was killed last week. She said he was shot inside a friend's home in Cleveland Heights. Thomas stated that he believed he was safe. She expressed hope that the program would change young lives and that his death would not be in vain.

A local pastor led a prayer for the grieving community during the announcement. Partners will help provide trauma-informed support. These partners include Fred Ward, executive director of the KHNEMU Foundation. Art McKoy, founder of Black on Black Crime Inc., is also involved. Al Porter Jr., a community leader, will assist as well.

Employers have already agreed to hire program graduates. A list of committed businesses includes Dante, Crispy Chic, and The Club Room at Fidelity Hotel. Other participants include Edison's Pizza, Orlando Bakery, and Geraci's. NCR Restaurants, Vessel Hospitality Group, Mahall's, and Parky's and Poppy are also on the list.

Applications are open online or in person. Prospective students can visit Edwins Butcher Shop & Training Center at 13024 Buckeye Road. The second location is the Edwins Leadership & Restaurant Institute at 12383 Cedar Road. The contact number is 216-921-3333.