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County College of Morris (CCM) officially opened its new $12 million Center for Entrepreneurship and Culinary Science (CECS) with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 5, 2026, at its Randolph campus.
The 11,325-square-foot facility is the result of a collaboration between CCM, the Morris County Chamber of Commerce, and local businesses. It combines culinary training, business incubation, and industry partnerships under one roof.
The CECS houses the Culinary and Hospitality Arts Institute of New Jersey (CHAI-NJ), which prepares students for careers in the culinary and hospitality industries. The facility features a professional-grade baking kitchen with advanced combi-ovens, a rotating bread oven, marble-topped tables for chocolate tempering, and a 14-foot dough sheeter for large-scale production.
Programs offered through the center include certificate programs, associate degrees, and non-credit workforce training. The Center for Entrepreneurship side of the facility gives founders and business creators access to practical business tools, mentorship, and talent development resources at every stage of their journey.
Internationally acclaimed chef and restaurateur David Burke, who grew up in New Jersey, served as the keynote speaker at the ceremony. He predicted that in 25 years, New Jersey will have some of the best restaurants in the country thanks in part to programs like this one.
Morris County Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw called the center a game changer, noting that it blends culinary creativity with real-world business skills. CCM President Dr. Anthony Iacono pointed to the more than 1,000 international businesses operating in Morris County as potential employers for student interns and graduates.
The event also celebrated a generous gift from former CCM Board of Trustees Chairperson Tom Pepe and his wife Donna, with the unveiling of the Tom and Donna Pepe Pavilion, a large event space within the facility.
CCM has invested more than $80 million in buildings and facilities at its campus over the past seven years. The college is also preparing to open a Center for Health Professions building by early 2027, supported by more than $5.5 million in Morris County capital funding.
