FAQs

• We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to helping change the face of recovery.
• The Sérénité Restaurant and Culinary Institute, located at 538 West Liberty St, is a second chance employer and vocational training facility for individuals in recovery from Substance Abuse Disorder.
  • Sérénité provides culinary & hospitality training throughout a six-month program where students work at the restaurant learning the skills needed to begin a career in the hospitality industry.
• The Recovery Center of Medina County (located in the building next door) provides recovery and life skill programming for the students, staff, and the community. This programming includes but is not limited to:
  • Peer support
  • Case management
  • Recovery Support Meetings
  • Financial and budgeting assistance
  • Job assistance and placement
  • NARCAN Training
• The mission of the Recovery Center of Medina County is to ensure every individual who desires an opportunity to overcome their addiction is provided that chance and receives the necessary support to succeed, not only in recovery but in the workforce as well. The way to fulfill our mission is to
  • Reduce barriers to recovery from substance use disorders.
  • Advocate for those in recovery.
  • Teach life skills to individuals in recovery that they carry with them throughout their lives.

Donations can be made online at our website donations page, through the mail, or in person at:

The Recovery Center of Medina County
528 W. Liberty Street
Medina, OH 44256

• The Sérénité Restaurant & Culinary Institute was launched in the Spring of 2018. As a part of the Recovery Center, this job training program is open to anyone in the recovery community and provides culinary training throughout a six-month program.
• Sérénité and RCMC provide coursework for a fine dining career while ensuring our students have the appropriate tools to sustain long-term recovery.
• At the restaurant, participants help prepare and serve a menu of world-class French cuisine under the guidance of Executive Chef Todd Whitman.
• Students will become familiar with all aspects of fine dining. Sérénité actively engages students in an education which includes both text work and hands-on training. The curriculum includes but is not limited to
  • Steps of Service
  • Basic Food Knowledge
  • Culinary Math
  • Equipment Identification
  • Knife Cuts
  • Basic and advanced cooking skills
  • Prep work
  • Sauces
  • Serve Safe
  • Communication Skills
  • Restaurant technology
• While attending the program, students are also required to attend recovery classes each week. Recovery classes cover everything from recovery maintenance, presentations by guest speakers, and holistic approaches to recovery.
• Students will meet in a recovery Life skills group and meet with a peer supporter a minimum of once per week.

No, absolutely not. In fact, most students come with no restaurant experience whatsoever.

• When you come to Sérénité, you will be provided a unique culinary experience with seasonal, classic French cuisine in the midst of Medina’s Historic District.
• You will be served by a dedicated staff of current and former students, and you can expect Executive Chef Todd Whitman, General Manager/Curriculum Director Cary Granakis to swing by the table to answer any questions you might have and share a few stories about the program.

• No, but we can refer you.
• See our Community Resource Page

• Yes! When you come to Sérénité, you will be provided a unique culinary experience with seasonal, classic French cuisine in the midst of Medina’s Historic District.
• You will be served by a dedicated staff of current and former students, and you can expect Executive Chef Todd Whitman to swing by the table to answer any questions you might have and share a few stories about the program.

 

• We take our time to create top-quality food and an unforgettable fine dining experience.
• The restaurant is upscale, yet it is still a relaxing and casual experience.
• We provide a high-end experience here in Medina that you would usually have to travel to Cleveland.
• Sérénité has a unique and pleasant ambiance, with pre-civil war architecture and soft lighting.
• We hold events such as cheese and wine tastings, bourbon cigar BBQs, clam bakes, and much more!