Food and Entrepreneurship on the Menu at County College of Morris

By Anthony Birritteri, Editor-in-Chief On Mar 6, 2026

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held yesterday for the 11,325-square-foot, $12 million Center for Entrepreneurship & Culinary Science (CECS) at the County College of Morris (CCM). The facility, a collaboration between the college, the Morris County Chamber of  Commerce, and area businesses, is designed to fuel innovative learning and economic opportunities for students, entrepreneurs, and the broader community.

“CCM will offer new and expanded programs in business and culinary science, creating pathways for entrepreneurs and community members who are seeking to launch or strengthen their local businesses, supporting the economic growth of Morris County and beyond,” said Partick Enright, senior vice president of academic affairs, workforce development and student success at CCM.

Internationally acclaimed chef, David Burke, who grew up in New Jersey and took part in yesterday’s celebration as the keynote speaker, said that in 25 years, New Jersey will have some of the best restaurants around because of the facility. “[Students] are going to get great jobs because you are going to teach them. Sous chefs [taught here] will be opening their own restaurants,” said Burke, who added that he looks forward to recruiting students graduating from the CECS for his own restaurants.

Stephen Shaw, Morris County commissioner director, said the center will be a game changer. “This facility blends culinary creativity and real-world business skills. Students won’t just learn to bake artisan bread or master advanced pastry teachings. They will also learn to run a business, manage inventory, build a brand, all while keeping the ovens hot. This education will prepare them not just to get jobs, but to create them – opening restaurants, launching catering companies, leading hospitality teams, serving up the next generation of innovators, chefs, and business leaders right here in Morris County.”

Dr. Anthony Iacono, president of CCM, said that the CECS will be advantageous for the more than 1,000 international businesses operating in Morris County who will hire student interns and full-time workers from the facility and CCM, overall. He added that CCM’s culinary program is already ranked among the top 25 in the eastern US.

The CECS is composed of two centers.

It serves as the home of the Culinary and Hospitality Arts Institute of New Jersey (CHAI-NJ), which is dedicated to preparing executive chefs, and hospitality leaders to meet growing industry demand across the region.

Then, there is the Center for Entrepreneurship, which is designed to support innovators, founders, and business creators at every stage of development.

Through certificates, associate degree programs and non-credit workforce training, the Center for Entrepreneurship will provide entrepreneurs access to practical business tools, mentorship, industry expertise, and talent development resources to guide ventures from idea validation through launch and growth.

In almost seven years, CCM has invested more than $80 million in buildings and facilities at its campus, according to Shaw.

Aaron Fichtner, president of the New Jersey Council of County Colleges, said he has had a front-row seat at CCM’s transformation, noting that what the institution and Iacono have done are a beacon that inspires the 18 community colleges across the state.

“It’s because of innovations like this center that we celebrate New Jersey’s community colleges, which have a $12.8 billion impact on the state’s economy,” Fichtner said.

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