Our Place in the Sun

As we get closer to the four-year anniversary of EDWINS Restaurant on Nov. 1, we’ve been looking back on how far we’ve come. EDWINS started as Brandon Chrostowski’s vision, and first flourished inside the walls of northeast Ohio’s correctional facilities. Then EDWINS Restaurant opened on Shaker Square in November 2013 followed by the unveiling of the EDWINS Second Chance Life Skills Center housing campus in August 2015.

Now the sky’s the limit – literally!

Thanks to an incredible donation of 17 solar panels and an inverter, along with the racking system and expertise of Better Together Solar, EDWINS’ future just got a whole lot brighter.

In August, the Better Together Solar team – Jake Wert, Jamie Doyle, Jeff Kalt and Myles Murray – installed the solar equipment on the roof of 13104 Buckeye Road, the building which houses the EDWINS library, test kitchen, fitness center and Second Chance Store.

After all inspections are complete, the solar panels are expected to reduce electric bills for the Second Chance Life Skills Center, which will equate to about a $700 savings annually.

“It’s a great example of resources coming together for a great cause,” said Director of Communications Myles Murray. “Better Together Solar likes working with non-profit organizations to take advantage of the sun, and we are glad to be a part of this project.”

It just goes to show you that thinking outside of the box (or outside of the building!) can lead to some amazing collaborations that benefit our community and our environment.