Greg Vernick’s journey to culinary stardom began in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Growing up with a grandfather who owned a butcher shop and a mother who ran a local restaurant, Vernick was immersed in the food industry from a young age. This early exposure ignited his passion, leading him to pursue a formal education in hospitality management at Boston University, followed by a culinary degree from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America (CIA). His CIA externship with Chef Ken Oringer at Boston’s Clio further honed his skills and broadened his culinary horizons.
After his formative years in Boston, Vernick moved to New York City and joined the culinary empire of Jean-Georges Vongrichten. Over several years, he ascended through the ranks, serving as sous chef at renowned establishments like Jean-Georges, Nougatine, and Spice Market. His role extended beyond the kitchen as he became a chef trainer, traveling internationally to oversee restaurant openings in diverse locations including Qatar, Tokyo, Vancouver, Boston, and Park City, Utah. Before venturing out on his own, Vernick held the esteemed position of chef de cuisine at New York’s Tocqueville, further solidifying his expertise in fine dining.
In 2012, Greg Vernick returned to Philadelphia with his wife Julie and realized his vision by opening Vernick Food & Drink. This restaurant is a reflection of his culinary journey, presenting a menu that celebrates new American cuisine with an emphasis on straightforward, flavorful dishes. The restaurant quickly earned critical acclaim, being lauded by publications like Food & Wine, Bon Appetit, StarChefs, Philadelphia magazine, The Washington Post, and The New York Times. In 2016, Vernick’s culinary prowess was recognized when he was named “Chef of the Year” by the Philadelphia Inquirer. Adding to the accolades, Vernick Food & Drink received a coveted 4-Bell re-review from restaurant critic Craig LaBan, who hailed it as the “Best Overall Restaurant” in Philadelphia.
The James Beard Foundation further acknowledged Vernick’s exceptional talent in May 2017, naming him Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic on Vernick Food & Drink’s fifth anniversary. He was the first Philadelphia chef to receive this prestigious award since 2011, marking a significant milestone for both Vernick and the city’s culinary scene. Continuing his successful trajectory, Vernick partnered with Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center. This collaboration led to the opening of Vernick Coffee Bar in October 2018, a modern café and barista bar offering a more casual dining experience. Expanding his culinary footprint further, Vernick launched Vernick Fish in August 2019. This seafood-centric restaurant showcases Greg’s interpretation of classic American oyster bar fare, adding another dimension to his impressive portfolio and solidifying Vernick Food & Drink’s position as a leading culinary force.
