After almost four years and two previous possible locations, our Capuchin Franciscan Province St. Augustine recently signed a contract with Cleveland's Playhouse Square, the largest theater complex in the country after New York's Lincoln Center, to open The Friars' Table, a training kitchen / restaurant in conjunction with EDWINS Leadership and Restaurant Institute, directed by Brandon Chrostowski. The purpose is to give formerly incarcerated adults a foundation in the hospitality industry. We hope to expand that mission by also welcoming members of Cleveland's immigrant and refugee community as employees.
According to the press release: The Friars’ Table is more than just a restaurant; it’s a beacon of hope for the city of Cleveland. With a mission deeply rooted in the values of simplicity, dignity, and community, the restaurant aims to bring together residents and visitors alike in an environment that nourishes both body and soul.
“The goal of the restaurant is to give the city not only a great restaurant, but hope,” said Brandon Chrostowski, who will be curating the content, menu, and assembling the culinary team. “We want to create a beautiful space where people can come together over good food, and leave feeling inspired and uplifted.”
Br. Phil shared his vision for the restaurant, drawing inspiration from the life and teachings of our brother, Saint Francis of Assisi: “Saint Francis, the first friar, lived in a world of great transition, much like our own. Instead of seeking wealth and power, he found his life's passion by living and sharing the Gospel of Jesus in simplicity, embracing the dignity of the human person, and with a great respect for the gift of all creation.
These pictures are of the location for The Friars’ Table training kitchen in Cleveland. The site is 25 blocks from St. Paul Shrine where we live and serve on Euclid Ave, a 5-7 minute walk from St. Peter Church, where we also minister, and 2 minutes from the western edge of Cleveland State University (CSU).
The storefront, under “See Who’s Next,” was once a jewelry store (walk-in safe still intact) and a restaurant that closed during the pandemic.
We’d appreciate your prayers for this new endeavor and adventure. As our brother Phil wrote: “Our hope for The Friars’ Table is to become a gathering space where people from the neighborhood and those visiting the theater can form a community in an inviting room where men and women employed by the Table, whether they were formerly incarcerated, are seeking a new home In this country or are among the working poor, can learn the skills necessary to find opportunities for a new start in life. These dreams all intersect around a table of simple, wholesome food to nourish both the body and the soul.”
Here's one of the announcements from the Cleveland press . . .