FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 9, 2023
USBG ANNOUNCES KEYNOTE SPEAKER FOR 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute Founder and CEO, Brandon Edwin Chrostowski provides the formerly incarcerated with free culinary and hospitality arts training
HENDERSON, NV (MAY 9, 2023) - United States Bartenders’ Guild today announces that chef Brandon Edwin Chrostowski, Founder and CEO of EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute, will be the keynote speaker at the Guild’s “Diamond Jubilee” 75th anniversary conference and gala taking place at the Arizona Biltmore, August 13-16.
Based in Cleveland, Chrostowski’s mission-driven program, that trains and staffs former prison inmates at his flagship French restaurant and nonprofit, has created a national model for re-entry and an educational pipeline for formerly incarcerated to learn the discipline and skill of fine dining.
“As a pillar of the industry for decades, it’s an absolute honor being the keynote speaker during such a pivotal celebration for the United States Bartenders’ Guild,” Chrostowski said. “Leadership is the key ingredient to the recipe for success in the hospitality industry. I’ve lived my life by proving actions speak louder than words, and in doing so, it’s granted access to educate and help formerly incarcerated individuals establish successful careers and become leaders in this industry. I’ve always admired the USBG because their mission aligns seamlessly with my life’s work. Being a part of the Diamond Jubilee will be truly special.”
Said USBG Executive Director Aaron Gregory Smith, “The USBG’s mission of uniting and elevating the bar industry through education, community, and advocacy is rooted in a spirit of inclusivity that aligns perfectly with EDWINS. We’re so thankful to have Brandon join us for the Diamond Jubilee.”
EDWINS’s impactful social program provides more than 100 formerly incarcerated adults with free culinary and hospitality arts training each year. The success of the program is reflected in a one percent recidivism rate among participants. By comparison, the Harvard Political Review reports that in the US, within three years of their release, two out of three formerly incarcerated persons are rearrested and more than 50% are reincarcerated.
Since founding EDWINS in 2007, Chrostowski has reinforced his mission by opening Edwins Too, a culinary incubator and community kitchen; EDWINS Butcher Shop and Bakery and Diner; a Second Chance Life Skills Center with housing and wraparound services; EDWINS Family Center, a nonprofit that provides free daycare to Institute students during class hours; on-site programs at Grafton Correctional Institute and Cuyahoga County Juvenile Detention Center; and offering virtual curriculum to more than 400,000 inmates at prisons across the country.
A classically trained chef and sommelier, Chrostowski honed his skills at fine dining establishments in Paris, New York, and Chicago, including Lucas Carton, Chanterelle, Picholine, Le Cirque and Charlie Trotter’s. Recognition of his culinary efforts include 2022 James Beard Award Semifinalist, 2023 James Beard Finalist; IFMA’s 2020 Silver Plate, CNN 2016 Heroes, Crain’s “40 under 40” Awards; The Richard C. Cornuelle Award from the Manhattan Institute for Social Entrepreneurship; being featured as the subject of the Academy Award-nominated documentary Knife Skills; and features in national media outlets, including The New York Times, Washington Post and TODAY.
Early Bird registration for the USBG’s Diamond Jubilee is open, offering deep discounts through May 17. Visit 75th.usbg.org for more information and to register to attend.
Chrostowski will also appear on the USBG Guild Weekly on IG Live on Wednesday, May 17 at 12p Pacific/2p Central/3p Eastern. Tune in @usbg to watch.
Follow the USBG through multiple social media channels: IG/FB/TWITTER: @usbg/@TheUSBG/@TheUSBG.
About the United States Bartenders’ Guild
Founded in 1948, the United States Bartenders' Guild®️ is the national, member-led not-for-profit association of bartenders and other hospitality professionals that unites and elevates the bar industry through education, community, and advocacy. Through its network, the USBG connects members with peer-to-peer learning, expert instruction, service projects, and skills-based competition, all while fostering a fun and healthy environment and reinforcing the importance of the ‘third place’ in neighborhoods across the country.
Media inquiries:
Colin Baugh
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