Brandon Chrostowski of EDWINS Honored with a James Beard Impact Award

Brandon Chrostowski was honored with a James Beard Foundation Impact Award. Credit: Courtesy photo

On Sunday, June 15, the James Beard Foundation honored its first batch of Impact Award winners at the Dalcy in Chicago as part of its annual James Beard Awards Ceremony. The new category of winners recognizes changemakers from across the country who are actively working to create a more equitable, sustainable and economically viable restaurant industry and food system for producers, workers and consumers.

“This year’s Impact Award honorees demonstrate the visionary leadership and creativity required to tackle our industry and broader food system’s most urgent challenges,” Mary Sue Milliken, Impact Awards Chair and Board of Trustees Vice Chair, explained. “We are deeply grateful for their commitment and proud to honor and elevate their vital work.”

Just five people were honored with Impact Awards – including Cleveland’s own Brandon Chrostowski, founder and CEO of EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute. The visionary chef and restaurateur was selected thanks to his tireless efforts at EDWINS, which offers culinary, hospitality, and life skills training to formerly incarcerated individuals in an effort to provide sustainable futures. Since its founding in 2013, EDWINS has grown into a national model for second-chance employment.

“This award is a recognition not only of the work we do at EDWINS but also of the power of belief—that everyone, no matter their past, deserves dignity, opportunity, and a seat at the table,” said Brandon Chrostowski. “In my opinion, one of the key benefits of receiving the award is the very large key it presents to open more doors for advancement in the industry. I’m happy to bring this home to Cleveland and will be rooting for all of the chefs who are nominated for an award this year.”

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This article appears in Cleveland SCENE 06/05/25 Best of Cleveland.