Sustainable sourcing and Market roots
Verzenay was born at Green City Market. Twelve years later, that tent-to-bakery journey still anchors us as we help lead Chicago’s sourcing ethos: cook with the seasons, know your farmers, honor the craft. The market’s growers shape our menu and our standards, and we have set the bar for sourcing with intention and integrity.
We choose flours we stand behind - Meadowlark Organics, Central Milling and Grands Moulins de Paris; ethically sourced couvertures from Cacao Barry and Guittard. Every croissant, bread, and pastry reflects these relationships. From market stall to storefront, we’ve made principled sourcing the rule, not the exception
French Craftsmanship, Reimagined Through Heritage
Verzenay is grounded in classical French pâtisseriies, meticulous lamination, precise entremets, and icons like the Paris-Brest. Chef Arshiya’s Indian heritage and Midwestern home add creative dimensions that are uniquely ours. Pastries such as Desi Velour and Chicago Mix macarons show how we bridge tradition with her memories and Chicago culture. Rooted in Indian heritage, refined by French training, and grounded in Chicago, we honor French discipline while telling new, personal stories through flavor.
Desi Velour
Cardamom mousse, carrot-cashew halwa, saffron rice crispy
Our Commitment to Community & Women in Food
We proudly support Chicago Chefs Cook and initiatives like Evolved Network and Fundraiser for Tigray, using food to uplift communities locally and globally.
At Verzenay, we champion women by offering meaningful employment, hands-on training, and leadership opportunities in the culinary field and empowering them to achieve financial independence and pursue their passion. Our work reflects a deep commitment to community, inclusion, and the belief that food can be a powerful force for change.
Our Coffee & Tea Partners
At Verzênay, we serve beverages held to the same exacting standards as our pastry.
Our coffee comes from Counter Culture Coffee, a North Carolina–based roaster recognized for its transparent sourcing and rigorous quality practices. We brew their Gradient for drip, Hologram for espresso and Slow Motion for decaf — each selected for its balance, complexity, and ethical origin.
Our teas are sourced from Palais des Thés, a Parisian tea house renowned for its direct relationships with growers and commitment to freshness. We feature their premium single-estate and signature blends, chosen for their purity, aroma, and refinement.
Every cup served at Verzênay honors our belief that exceptional ingredients, prepared with care, speak for themselves.