A new Center for Entrepreneurship & Culinary Science (CECS) has opened at County College of Morris (CCM), following a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the $12 million, 11,325-square-foot facility. The center is a result of collaboration between CCM, the Morris County Chamber of Commerce, and local businesses. It aims to provide innovative learning opportunities and support economic development for students, entrepreneurs, and the community.
Patrick Enright, senior vice president of academic affairs, workforce development and student success at CCM, said: “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.”
Chef David Burke participated as keynote speaker at the event. He noted his optimism about the future impact of CECS on New Jersey’s restaurant industry. “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,” Burke said. He also mentioned his intention to recruit graduates from CECS for his own establishments.
Stephen Shaw, director of the Morris County commissioners, highlighted how the new center combines culinary training with practical business skills: “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, stated that more than 1,000 international businesses operating in Morris County would benefit from hiring interns and full-time workers trained at CECS and CCM overall. He also noted that CCM’s culinary program ranks among the top 25 in the eastern United States.
The CECS houses two main components: it is home to the Culinary and Hospitality Arts Institute of New Jersey (CHAI-NJ), which focuses on preparing executive chefs and hospitality leaders; it also includes a Center for Entrepreneurship that supports innovators at all stages through certificates, associate degrees and non-credit workforce training programs.
The Center for Entrepreneurship provides resources such as mentorships and practical tools designed to help entrepreneurs develop ideas into successful ventures.
Shaw added that over nearly seven years CCM has invested more than $80 million in campus buildings and facilities.
Aaron Fichtner—president of the New Jersey Council of County Colleges—remarked on CCM’s progress: “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.
