TWIN CITIES, MN — The culinary world and the broader Twin Cities community are mourning the devastating loss of two remarkable individuals, Andre Lamont Mathews and David Burley, who tragically lost their lives in a motorcycle accident over the weekend in St. Croix County, Wisconsin. Their sudden passing has left a deep void in the hearts of family, friends, colleagues, and patrons across the region.
David Burley, a visionary restaurateur and co-founder of the beloved Blue Plate Restaurant Company, was a cornerstone of the Twin Cities’ hospitality industry. Together with his longtime business partner, Stephanie Shimp, Burley transformed the local dining landscape with the opening of Highland Grill in St. Paul in 1993. What began as a single neighborhood spot blossomed into a family of restaurants that became staples of comfort, creativity, and community across Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Blue Plate’s portfolio, which includes institutions like Longfellow Grill, The Lowry, Edina Grill, and Groveland Tap, was built on the belief that restaurants should feel like home — warm, welcoming, and woven into the fabric of the neighborhood. That ethos reflected Burley’s own generous and community-focused spirit. He was known not only for his innovation in the kitchen and his keen business mind, but also for his deep respect for his staff, his commitment to local partnerships, and his tireless advocacy for small businesses and restaurant workers.
Andre Lamont Mathews, also killed in the crash, was a beloved figure in his own right — remembered for his compassion, vibrant personality, and positive energy. Those who knew Andre speak of a man who lifted up those around him with his laughter, sincerity, and sense of purpose. His friendship with Burley was one rooted in shared passions and mutual respect. Together, their journeys were intertwined in adventure and camaraderie — a bond now tragically severed but never forgotten.
The motorcycle crash, which occurred in the scenic countryside of St. Croix County, Wisconsin, is still under investigation. Preliminary reports indicate that both men were pronounced dead at the scene. The exact circumstances of the accident have not yet been fully released by local authorities, but news of their passing has already shaken the Twin Cities to its core.
Tributes have poured in from across Minnesota and beyond, with friends, colleagues, and fellow restaurateurs remembering Burley as a true pioneer in the hospitality space — a man whose contributions went far beyond the food on the plate. Many recalled his mentorship, his generosity, and his determination to create spaces where people could gather, connect, and feel cared for.
Stephanie Shimp, Burley’s business partner of over 30 years, released a brief, emotional statement:
“David was more than my business partner — he was my friend, my confidant, and my creative soulmate. Together, we dreamed big and built something beautiful. I’m heartbroken beyond words. The Blue Plate family is devastated.”
A public memorial is being planned to honor the lives of both David Burley and Andre Mathews. Details will be shared in the coming days. In the meantime, the Blue Plate Restaurant Co. has asked for privacy and prayers for both families and the extended community affected by this profound loss.
As the Twin Cities reflect on this tragic event, one thing remains clear: the legacies of David Burley and Andre Lamont Mathews will continue to live on in every meal served, every story shared, and every neighborhood they touched. They will be remembered for their kindness, their passion, and the joy they brought to countless lives.
May they both rest in peace.
The post In Loving Memory: Andre Lamont Mathews and David Burley – Twin Cities Community Mourns Loss in Tragic Wisconsin Motorcycle Accident first appeared on Trusted and Verified USA News.
