JERSEY CITY, N.J. (AP) — A former prison chef is making the most out of a second chance.

Candido Ortiz was serving a 49-year federal sentence for drug-related crimes when he was released last December through an executive order by President Barack Obama along with other inmates serving lengthy drug sentences.

For 24 years he cooked for his fellow inmates and worked 12-hour shifts in the prison kitchen, WPIX reports.

"After I started cooking, people started liking my food.  I was one of the best cooks in prison,” he told the station.

With the help of a prisoner re-entry program spearheaded by former Democratic New Jersey Gov. Jim McGreevey, Ortiz is opening a restaurant in Jersey City that will serve American and Hispanic dishes.

He said Tuesday that he's looking forward to giving back to the community and says he's a changed man.

Ortiz had served more than 26 years in prison when he was released.

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