Award-winning celebrity chef and acclaimed restauranteur David Burke was awarded an honorary doctorate in business administration from Johnson & Wales University for his outstanding achievements in the culinary world over the past 40 years.

In addition to accepting the honorary degree, the Hazlet native gave the keynote speech at JWU’s May 4 commencement ceremony at its Charlotte, N.C., campus.

Burke – who is the first chef in a decade to be recognized with the honorary degree that is awarded annually at JWU’s graduation celebration – said, “I have been privileged to receive a number of accolades over the years, but this honorary doctorate from Johnson & Wales is particularly special to me because education is so important, especially in the culinary arts, which the university is rightfully so well known for.”

JWU Chancellor Mim Runey said, “We are so pleased to be honoring chef David Burke for his extraordinary achievements in the culinary world, especially his advancement of modern American cuisine, as Johnson & Wales celebrates 50 years of culinary education. JWU has enjoyed a long tradition of acknowledging distinguished individuals at our commencement ceremonies. Chef Burke’s life and career are an inspiration to our students.”

Over the years, Burke has launched several efforts aimed at helping the next generation start their careers in the hospitality industry.

In 2021, he established a scholarship program at Brookdale Community College’s culinary education center in Asbury Park that covers the tuition of two students each academic year—one culinary arts major and one hospitality management major.

Scholarship recipients also receive hands-on experience with paid six-month internships at one of Burke’s eight restaurants in New Jersey. After graduation, they have the option to explore long-term employment with David Burke Hospitality Management.

A year prior, Burke partnered with JWU’s Charlotte campus to establish a fellowship for recent graduates. As part of the program, participants are provided paid, three-month internships at Burke’s Red Salt and Cloud Bar at the Le Meridien hotel in Charlotte. After six months, fellows have the potential of being invited to join the David Burke Hospitality Management team at a Burke-branded restaurant.

So far, eight JWU Charlotte graduates have been named Burke fellows, according to the group.

Within New Jersey, Burke’s portfolio includes The Fox & Falcon by David Burke in South Orange, Orchard Park by David Burke in East Brunswick, Ventanas at the Modern in Fort Lee, David Burke’s Dixie Lee Bakery in Keansburg, 1776 by David Burke in Morristown, Red Horse by David Burke in Rumson, Drifthouse by David Burke in Sea Bright, The Goat by David Burke in Union Beach and Son Cubano in West New York.

David Burke Hospitality Management also owns and operates restaurants in New York, North Carolina and Saudi Arabia.