A Michelin-star-winning, world-renowned chef is opening his newest restaurant in Morristown.
MORRISTOWN, NJ — An award-winning chef, as seen on TV, is bringing his “world-class” food to Morris County.
Masaharu Morimoto, world-renowned chef and restaurateur, is opening a second ‘MM by Morimoto’ location in Morristown.
Officials announced on Tuesday that the Japanese restaurant will be located within the historic Vail Mansion, found at 110 South Street in Morristown.
The project is being spearheaded by Morimoto himself as well as Montclair Hospitality Group, which helped launch the restaurant's first location in Montclair.
“Our goal with MM by Morimoto at Vail Mansion is to create something truly extraordinary, a destination that brings global culinary excellence to one of New Jersey’s most storied landmarks,” said Luck Sarabhayavanija, founder of Montclair Hospitality Group. “Together with Chef Morimoto, we’re honoring the legacy of Vail Mansion while reimagining what fine dining can be in this region.”
The announcement comes months after the closure of Vail Mansion’s Hollow Bar and Kitchen. According to officials, the township moved quickly to “ensure the preservation and revitalization of the historic Vail Mansion.”
“Morristown has always been a place where history, culture, and ambition meet,” said Mayor Tim Dougherty. “This project reflects those values and exemplifies what can happen when public and private partners come together with a shared vision of excellence. Our administration is deeply committed to attracting top-tier partners who share our vision for Morristown’s future, and we’re proud that Chef Morimoto and the Montclair Hospitality Group see what we see, a town that honors its past while embracing innovation and world-class opportunity.”
The establishment’s design, which has already been completed by Ste. Marie Studio, features six uniquely themed spaces, each “blending the building’s historic integrity with refined modern elegance.”
Diners will be able to enjoy innovative and world-renowned steak and mixology programs while immersed in an environment that “reflects the innovation and artistry of Chef Morimoto’s global culinary brand.”
Renovation plans have already been submitted to the township, and construction of the new eatery is expected to begin soon.
More details on the MM by Morimoto’s opening, including a timeline, are expected soon, officials said.
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Born in Hiroshima, Japan, Morimoto started his culinary career working with sushi and traditional Kaiseki cuisine. In 1980, he opened his own restaurant at 25 years old.
Morimoto would begin to become more of a household name when he won the original Japanese Iron Chef title in 1998. One year later, he would become a judge and featured chef on the American version of the program.
Foodies may have also seen him as a guest on several television programs alongside the likes of Gordon Ramsey, fellow Iron Chef Bobby Flay, and Anthony Bourdain.
Now, the Michelin-star-earning chef owns dozens of restaurants across the world, including U.S. locations in Manhattan, Boston, and Hawaii.
To learn more about Morimoto and MM by Morimoto, click here.