Mike Lombardi & Chef Stephen Hicks on Seafood, Trust, and Building Real Vendor Relationships

What does a real vendor relationship actually look like?

In Episode 193, Mike Lombardi, third-generation seafood distributor behind a 65-year family business, joins Chef Stephen Hicks in studio for a conversation that goes far beyond product and price.

This episode dives into what really drives long-term success in the restaurant industry, trust, accountability, and understanding the pressure on both sides of the line.

From early mornings on the docks to high-pressure moments in the kitchen, Mike shares what it means to stay close to the source, build relationships with fishermen, and guide chefs with real-time market insight. Chef Hicks brings the operator perspective, breaking down how the right partners create confidence, consistency, and the ability to push beyond expectations.

This is a conversation about more than seafood.

It's about legacy, decision-making, and the kind of trust that only gets built over time.

🎥 In the studio, Chef Hicks prepares two standout dishes:

• Grouper with Sweet Corn Purée, Succotash, Spherified BBQ, and Butter Poached King Crab

• Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs with Caviar and Chives

Real product. Real relationships. Real conversation.

BRAND PARTNERS

During this episode, you'll hear about Franki App, a performance-based growth platform helping restaurants generate measurable, incremental diners, not just impressions.

Metro Foodservice Solutions https://www.metro.com

Commercial-grade storage, transport, and workflow systems trusted across professional kitchens.

RAK Porcelain USA https://www.rakporcelain.com

Professional tableware engineered for durability and presentation.

Citrus America https://www.citrusamerica.com

Premium citrus solutions supporting chefs, retailers, and distributors.

Crab Island Seafood https://crabislandseafood.com

Florida-based supplier delivering responsibly sourced seafood to foodservice partners.

Testo North America https://www.testo.com/en-US

Precision measurement and food safety solutions for professional kitchens.

Franki https://www.getfranki.com

A platform connecting restaurants with high-intent diners through real experiences and user-generated content.

CAUSE PARTNERS

The Burnt Chef Project https://www.theburntchefproject.com

Advocating for mental health awareness in the hospitality industry.

Operation BBQ Relief https://operationbbqrelief.org

Providing meals to communities impacted by natural disasters.

Sustainable Supperclub https://www.sustainablesupperclub.com Pop-up dining experiences focused on sustainability and food access.

TRADE SHOW & INDUSTRY PARTNERS Florida Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/florida/

New York Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/new-york/

California Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/california/

Pizza Tomorrow Summit https://www.pizzatomorrow.com/

U.S. Culinary Open https://www.usculinaryopen.com/About

Creative Loafing Tampa Bay https://www.cltampa.com

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