In a ceremony featuring internationally acclaimed chef and restaurateur David Burke, Morris County officials joined state legislators, trustees, faculty and students to cut the ribbon on County College of Morris’ new Center for Entrepreneurship & Culinary Science (CECS) at the Randolph campus.
“People can work here affordably and go to school here and get good jobs. Twenty-five years from now, the best restaurants in the state will be in Morris County because of this culinary school at CCM,” said Burke, the keynote speaker at the event.
First announced in 2021 and breaking ground in 2023, the new facility was made possible through a nearly $12 million investment, including $7.3 million from the State of New Jersey and $4.6 million approved by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners. The center represents a collaboration between CCM, the Morris County Chamber of Commerce and industry partners to strengthen workforce training, support small business development and expand culinary education opportunities in the region.
“This education will prepare students not just to get jobs, but to open restaurants, launch companies, lead hospitality teams and serve up the next generation of innovators, chefs and businesses right here in Morris County,” said Morris County Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw. “Investments like this strengthen our
Also present were Commissioner Deputy Director John Krickus, Commissioner Thomas Mastrangelo, County Administrator Deena Leary, Assistant County Administrator Brian Murray, County Clerk Ann Grossi and County Surrogate Heather Darling, Randolph Township Mayor Mark Forstenhausler and Councilmember Lou Nisivoccia, Mount Olive Mayor Joe Nicastro and other local leaders. State Sen. Anthony M. Bucco and Assemblymembers Aura Dunn, Michael Inganamort, and Marisa Sweeney provided remarks during the ceremony.
“Good things are always happening at County College of Morris,” said Sen. Bucco. “The opportunities students have here are ones they often don’t get at four-year universities — the chance to launch directly into career paths. That’s what it’s all about.”
workforce, support entrepreneurship and help ensure Morris County remains a hub for opportunity and economic growth.”
The CECS introduces expanded programs in business, entrepreneurship, culinary arts and hospitality, offering students hands-on training while creating new pathways for entrepreneurs and community members seeking to launch or grow businesses.
The center will also serve as the home of the Culinary and Hospitality Arts Institute of New Jersey (CHAI-NJ), preparing students for careers as executive chefs, hospitality leaders and culinary entrepreneurs. Students will train in a state-of-the-art baking kitchen designed to reflect professional culinary environments and gain hands-on experience using industry-grade equipment.