By: Richard L. Smith
Morris County leaders, educators, and community members gathered this week to celebrate the opening of a new facility at County College of Morris that aims to expand opportunities for students interested in business, entrepreneurship, and the culinary arts.
According to a press release sent by Morris County officials, the college held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its Randolph campus to officially unveil the Center for Entrepreneurship & Culinary Science, a new academic space designed to support workforce training and small business development across the region.
The event featured internationally recognized chef and restaurateur David Burke, who served as the keynote speaker and joined state lawmakers, college trustees, faculty members, and students in marking the opening of the new center.
Burke praised the investment in culinary education, noting that programs like this can help shape the future of the region’s restaurant industry.
Plans for the center were first announced in 2021, with construction beginning in 2023.
According to Morris County officials, the project was funded through nearly $12 million in combined support, including $7.3 million provided by the State of New Jersey and $4.6 million approved by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners.
The new center was developed through a partnership between County College of Morris, the Morris County Chamber of Commerce, and industry leaders, with the goal of strengthening workforce development and expanding educational pathways in both business and culinary fields.
Officials said the Center for Entrepreneurship & Culinary Science will introduce expanded academic programs focused on entrepreneurship, culinary arts, hospitality, and business development.
The programs are designed to give students practical training while also providing resources for community members and aspiring entrepreneurs who are looking to start or grow their own businesses.
The facility will also house the Culinary and Hospitality Arts Institute of New Jersey, known as CHAI-NJ, which will prepare students for careers in the culinary and hospitality industries.
Students enrolled in the program will have access to a modern baking and culinary kitchen built to mirror professional restaurant environments, allowing them to gain hands-on experience using industry-standard equipment while developing the skills needed to succeed in kitchens, hotels, and other hospitality settings.
County officials say the new center represents an investment not only in education but also in the long-term economic growth of Morris County and the surrounding region.