Morris County Celebrates Opening of CCM’s Center for Entrepreneurship
Published on March 05, 2026
New Facility Expands Workforce Training and Business Innovation in the Region
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 workforce, support entrepreneurship and help ensure Morris County remains a hub for opportunity and economic growth.”
View More Photos from the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
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.”
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.
“Students at CCM don’t just receive an extraordinary education -- they gain real insight from world-class leaders working in their fields,” said Dr. Anthony Iacono, president of CCM. “That kind of experience prepares them for opportunity and helps ensure our workforce remains strong and competitive.”
The Center for Entrepreneurship will support innovators and business creators at every stage through certificates, associate degree programs and non-credit workforce training, while providing mentorship, practical business tools and industry expertise to help guide ventures from concept to growth.
“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 also recognized a generous gift from former CCM Board of Trustees Chair Tom Pepe and CCM Foundation member Donna Pepe, the board’s current treasurer. In recognition of their longstanding support of the college, CCM unveiled the Tom & Donna Pepe Pavilion, a new event space within the CECS.
Visit the following link for more information about programs offered through CCM’s entrepreneurship, culinary and hospitality pathways.
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Photo 1: County College of Morris (CCM) hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of its Center for Entrepreneurship & Culinary Science (CECS) on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
Photo 2: (l-r) Mt. Olive Mayor Joe Nicastro, Morris County Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw, David Burke, Asm. Michael Inganamort and Morris County Communications Director Vincent Vitale.
Photo 3: Internationally acclaimed chef and restaurateur, David Burke, was the keynote speaker at the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Center for Entrepreneurship & Culinary Science at County College of Morris.
Photo 4: CCM’s culinary science students. (Fourth from left) Chef and Professor Mark Cosgrove, chairperson of Hospitality Management & Culinary Arts at County College of Morris. (Third from right) David Burke.