Not everyone is willing to give an ex-con a break. In fact most people would run a mile. That’s what makes Toronto chef and restaurant owner Marc Thuet so special. His new restaurant – aptly named Conviction – employs 13 ex-convicts, 7 in the kitchen and 6 out on the dining floor. Not only are they earning an honest living, but they are learning a trade. Don’t be afraid to go and sample the cuisine. The former convicts were all non-violent offenders, many of whom were incarcerated for drug related offenses and now thanks to Marc Thuet, they have a real opportunity to turn their lives around.

A recovering drug addict and alcoholic, Chef Mark Thuet understands more than most the importance of what he is doing. He felt so strongly about Conviction that he closed his restaurant, Bite Me, in favour of this new and exciting venture. Financially, opening Conviction was a big risk, but so far, so good. All of the staff have been working hard to prove that they are worthy of this fabulous opportunity at a second chance at life. So compelling is this story that Cineflix is filming a documentary about Conviction that will be aired in the fall.

Conviction is located at 609 King Street West and can be reached by phone at 416.603.2777 and by email at info@convictionrestaurant.com. Dinner is served from Tuesday – Saturday from 5:30 PM – Midnight and for brunch on Sunday from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM. The menu looks absolutely outstanding and this is a restaurant worth supporting.