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 ABOUT WALK-IN TALK MEDIA Walk-In Talk Media is an industry-recognized B2B food and hospitality media company focused on chef-driven storytelling and real conversations inside the business of food.