Burke is a restaurateur, artist, philanthropist, businessperson, author, educator, art collector, puppeteer, minister and a doctor of business administration, honoris causa. David Burke Hospitality Management (DBHM) owns, manages, licenses, and consults with restaurants, hotels, clubs, and schools worldwide. Currently, Burke and his DBHM team operate or orchestrate the culinary component of 22 restaurants, a historic event venue and a bakery. They also oversee a growing roster of David Burke branded products, including cookware, bakeware, steak sauce, cutlery, and wine. Known for his industry insight, culinary accomplishments, business acumen and candid observations, Burke is often called upon to play the role of event honoree, speaker, and judge.

At just 26, Burke’s kitchen mastery won him the executive chef position of New York City’s legendary River Café, where he earned a prestigious three-star review from The New York Times. While at River Café, he became the first (and remains the only) American to win the prestigious Meilleurs Ouvriers de France Diplome d’Honneur. Burke has been nominated twice for James Beard’s Best Chef and was a familiar face on the popular Top Chef TV show. In the early 1990s, Burke founded DB Global and later, in 2015, DBHM to further expand his footprint and to showcase what had become the culinary, decorative, and operational hallmarks of the David Burke brand.