Celebrity Chef David Burke Takes Over Historic Bernards Inn

BERNARDSVILLE, NJ — The Bernards Inn is getting revamped as Celebrity American Chef David Burke has taken it over, adding it to his collection of award-winning New Jersey restaurants.

In July, Burke entered a partnership with The Bernards Inn owner, Hampshire Destination Properties, LLC, a subsidiary of The Hampshire Companies.

The new The Bernards Inn is planning to open in the Fall.

"This is one of New Jersey’s greatest, iconic properties. We are bringing it back to its glory days,"said Burke.

The 116-year-old landmark property in downtown Bernardsville will be Burke’s 9th restaurant in New Jersey and his 19th worldwide.

Burke has made many television appearances including competing against Bobby Flay on Iron Chef America in 2005, competing on Top Chef Masters, and appearing on Every Day with Rachael Ray show, NBC's TODAY Show, and more.

"We are excited to partner with Chef David Burke given his excellent reputation for owning and operating numerous award-winning restaurants," said Alex Imperatore, owner and Senior Real Estate Manager with Hampshire Companies, Morristown. "We feel it is time to raise the bar and infuse The Bernards Inn with new energy and an updated concept. With his culinary achievements, creativity, finesse and solid professional connections, we believe Chef Burke is the right professional to help us achieve our goals."

David Burke Hospitality Management will oversee the food and beverage service component of the AAA Four Diamond and Forbes Travel Guide Recommended hotel. Later, Burke and his executive team will manage the hotel’s operations and its 20 luxury guest rooms.

The property includes a main bar/lounge area, two yet-to-be-named restaurants: a larger, main fine dining restaurant with 120 seats on the upper level; and a smaller 100-seat area – formerly known as the Silver Vault and Wine Pantry - on the lower level.

For this area Burke plans for a more casual atmosphere with a small plates menu and it will be used for private events.

There is also a banquet hall - a favored intimate wedding destination - for private, elegant affairs with a 200-seat capacity. Bernards Inn also includes a plant-filled outdoor dining patio with 30-40 seats.

The bar and lounge area are currently under renovations. However, lunch and dinner service will continue in the main dining room, wine cellar and on the patio.

For the décor Burke plans to echo the area’s equestrian theme and also one he embraced at his Red Horse restaurants in Rumson, and White Plains, New York.

While all plans for the property are still in the development phase, Burke said he is looking to breathe new life and fun into The Bernards Inn, while respecting its historic nature and its dedication for serving local ingredients.

An example of this is Burke’s exploration into adding some decorative elements to the patio similar to the distinctive jockey statues once seen at New York City’s legendary culinary landmark, 21 Club, now permanently closed. Burke also has future plans to renovate the hotel’s guest rooms as well.

"We are looking forward to creating a must-go, top of its class and quintessential dining experience focused totally on the guest experience," Burke said. "I have a great respect for New Jersey’s historic businesses and I get a kick out of infusing them with new vigor and fun ensuring they continue into the future. When I walk in the Bernards Inn I feel its greatness like an old stadium or theater. I think, wow, if these walls could talk."