David Burley Obituary, Death – Courtesy Blue Plate Restaurant Co.Courtesy Blue Plate Restaurant Co.Courtesy Blue Plate Restaurant Co.Courtesy Blue Plate Restaurant Co.- David Burley, the co-founder and co-owner of Blue Plate Restaurant Co., tragically died in a motorcycle accident on Sunday, April 6, in Wisconsin. The restaurant group confirmed his passing in a statement, describing it as a devastating loss for the company and the community. According to preliminary findings from the Wisconsin State Patrol, Burley was the victim of a reckless driving incident.
The incident happened when Burley was riding his vintage 1949 Vincent RS motorcycle. Reports indicate that a 33-year-old driver from Brooklyn Park was attempting to pass traffic on the right shoulder of the road. In doing so, the driver struck a guardrail and then veered back into the lane of travel, colliding directly with Burley. After the initial impact, both the car, identified as an Infiniti G25, and Burley’s motorcycle crossed the road and crashed into a concrete barrier in the median. The State Patrol’s initial report also noted that the driver had been drinking, though further investigation is underway to determine the extent of his impairment.
Stephanie Shimp, Burley’s long-time business partner and co-founder of Blue Plate Restaurant Co., expressed her heartbreak in a public statement. Shimp described Burley as a man of passion and kindness, someone whose presence was vital to the foundation and success of their company. She added that the sudden loss of Burley was a painful shock that deeply affected their team, describing it as a loss beyond words.
Burley and Shimp began their restaurant journey in 1993 when they co-founded the Highland Grill in St. Paul, Minnesota. The pair, who were both working as servers at the Nicollet Island Inn at the time, saved their tip money to fund their first venture. Over the years, they expanded Blue Plate Restaurant Co. into a well-known hospitality group in Minnesota. Their portfolio of popular restaurants includes Freehouse, The Lowry, Highland Grill, Longfellow Grill, Edina Grill, Three Squares Restaurant, and Groveland Tap.
Though their romantic relationship ended years ago, Burley and Shimp maintained a strong business partnership. Burley was known for his big personality and loud Australian accent, often heard at their Minnesota State Fair location, the Blue Barn.
Out of respect for Burley and in remembrance of his contributions, all Blue Plate restaurants were scheduled to close on Monday, April 7. The restaurant group paid tribute to him in a social media post, stating that his energy, creativity, and kindness were central to everything the company had built over the years.
Burley was also known for his hands-on approach to customer service. In a profile by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, it was noted that Burley famously printed his personal cell phone number and email address on restaurant tables and customer receipts. He welcomed feedback from guests, saying he usually received a few calls each month and spent several hours weekly responding to customer input.
On a personal level, those who knew Burley described him as an adventurer and a lover of life. He had many passions outside of the restaurant industry, including motorcycling, scuba diving, traveling, flying planes, and caring for his cats. His Instagram profile reflected these interests, listing him as a “motorcyclist, scuba diver, travel nut, pilot, and cat lover.” His zest for life and commitment to hospitality made him a beloved figure in Minnesota’s restaurant community.
His loss leaves a profound void not only in his company but in the broader hospitality industry in Minnesota. His adventurous spirit and love for hospitality led him to create one of the most influential restaurant groups in the region.
Friends, colleagues, and customers alike mourn his untimely death, remembering him for his vibrant energy, dedication to service, and the joy he brought to so many. David Burley’s legacy will live on through the restaurants he built, the people he inspired, and the community he helped create.