Eckstut first met Greg Vernick when he and his family attended Harris’
“Dollars & Sense of Owning A Restaurant” course. Afterwards, the Vernicks hired him to assist in finding and acquiring the right location and property, and then they continued working together with the planning, permitting, building, and opening.

Through this process, Eckstut helped shepherd the opening of Vernick Food & Drink, one of the most creative/affordable/popular restaurants owned and operated by one of the most talented young chefs in America in the highly desirable west Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia neighborhood.

Today, Vernick Food & Drink has a “4-Bell” Craig LeBan Inquirer rating and, among other numerous awards, is ranked by USA Today as Philadelphia’s #1 Restaurant.