'Visionary' MN Restaurateur Killed In WI Motorcycle Crash

HUDSON, WI — David Burley, co-owner of the Blue Plate restaurant group, was killed Sunday afternoon in a motorcycle crash in Wisconsin, according to a social media post from the business.

Burley co-founded the Blue Plate Restaurant Co. with Stephanie Shimp. They opened their first restaurant in 1993, and today Blue Plate has expanded, and includes Highland Grill, Groveland Tap, Edina Grill, The Lowry, The Blue Barn at the Minnesota State Fair, and more.

“David was the heart and soul of Blue Plate — a visionary leader and a joyful, generous spirit who made everyone feel welcome,” the social media post said, adding all Blue Plate restaurants were closed Monday.

The crash occurred around 3 p.m. on Interstate 94 near Hudson when a car trying to pass traffic clipped a guardrail and then hit 58-year-old Burley’s motorcycle, leading both vehicles to strike the median, according to Minnesota Public Radio.

The car’s driver, 33-year-old Brooklyn Park resident Andre Lamont Mathews, suffered injuries that were not life-threatening and is charged with homicide via intoxicated use of a vehicle, MPR reported.