Students with a troubled past are getting a second chance at one Shaker Heights restaurant.
Edwin’s Restaurant has made a habit of employing people whose checkered past makes it tough to get hired.
“Someone that an employer is going to give the least shot to, that’s our prime candidate,” said Brandon Chrsotowski, CEO of EDWINS Leadership and Restaurant Institute. “I’m one of them. I had a criminal past. Never did criminal time.”
Instead, he said a judge gave him a year of probation. Chrsotowski used that time to find a mentor and create his program. It lasts 6 months. In the first three weeks, half drop out.
"After three weeks, we'll lose less than 10 percent," said Chrsotowski.
Out of the people who stick around for the program, none have returned to prison.
Workers receive a stipend of about $500 a month and a spot to stay. They'll leave with a state licensed diploma.
