Chef & Owner
Greg Vernick, a Cherry Hill, NJ native, is the culinary force behind the acclaimed Vernick Food & Drink. His journey into the world of food began early, inspired by his grandfather’s Philadelphia butcher shop and his mother Beth’s local restaurant. Today, this passion has culminated in Vernick Food & Drink, a nationally recognized restaurant helmed by an award-winning chef.
Vernick’s formal culinary education is robust, holding a degree in hospitality management from Boston University and a culinary degree from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in New York. His practical training commenced with an externship under Chef Ken Oringer at Boston’s Clio. He then honed his skills in New York City, climbing the ranks within Jean-Georges Vongrichten’s culinary empire. During this period, he served as sous chef at Jean-Georges, Nougatine, and Spice Market, and took on the role of chef trainer for global restaurant openings across locations like Qatar, Tokyo, and Vancouver. Before venturing out on his own, Vernick served as chef de cuisine at New York’s Tocqueville, further solidifying his expertise.
In 2012, Vernick brought his vision to Philadelphia, opening Vernick Food & Drink with his wife Julie. The restaurant quickly became known for its honest, approachable menu that showcases Vernick’s distinctive take on new American cooking. Vernick Food & Drink has garnered significant praise from leading publications such as Food & Wine, Bon Appetit, StarChefs, Philadelphia magazine, The Washington Post, and The New York Times, cementing its place in the national food scene. In 2016, Greg Vernick was recognized as “Chef of the Year” by The Philadelphia Inquirer. Adding to its accolades, Vernick Food & Drink received a coveted 4-Bell re-review from restaurant critic Craig LaBan, who lauded it as the “Best Overall Restaurant” in Philadelphia.
