County College of Morris Unveils $12M Center for Food and Business Training

County College of Morris held a ribbon-cutting recently for the Center for Entrepreneurship & Culinary Science at its Randolph campus. The building came from $12 million in funding. The State of New Jersey contributed $7.3 million. Morris County Board of County Commissioners added $4.6 million.

The center houses the Culinary and Hospitality Arts Institute of New Jersey. It features a baking kitchen built to mirror professional settings and will prepare students for work as executive chefs, hospitality leaders, and food entrepreneurs.

Officials first announced the project in 2021. Ground broke in 2023. CCM developed the building alongside the Morris County Chamber of Commerce and industry leaders.

“Students at CCM don’t just receive an extraordinary education, they gain real insight from world-class leaders working in their fields,” said Anthony Iacono, president of the institution, in a news release. “That kind of experience prepares them for opportunity and helps ensure our workforce remains strong and competitive.”

The entrepreneurship portion supports business creators at every stage. It offers certificates, associate degree programs, and workforce training. Students and entrepreneurs gain access to mentorship, hands-on business tools, and industry expertise to guide ventures from concept to growth.

Chef and restaurateur David Burke delivered the keynote address at Thursday’s ceremony. Burke runs restaurants. These include 1776 on the Green, Red Horse, and Drifthouse in the tri-state area.

“People can work here affordably and go to school here and get good jobs,” said David Burke. “Twenty-five years from now, the best restaurants in the state will be in Morris County because of this culinary school at CCM.”

Aaron Fichtner serves as president of the New Jersey Council of County Colleges. He said innovations like the new building are why New Jersey’s community colleges have a $12.8 million impact on the state’s economy. Community colleges support 135,000 jobs across the state because of investments made in the system.

“This new space represents opportunity and provides space for collaboration, it’s vital to the future of our county and regional economy,” said Meghan Hunscher, president and CEO of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce.

The ceremony drew county officials, local mayors and state legislators. The event recognized a donation from Tom and Donna Pepe. Attendees witnessed the unveiling of the Tom & Donna Pepe Pavilion, a new event space inside the building.

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