Just like fine wines and dry-aged steaks, Lombardi Brother’s Meats has been satisfying the patrons of Colorado’s finest restaurants for more than 70 years! Founded in 1947 by Jack Harker, the family tradition of uncompromising quality has positioned Lombardi Brothers as the only certified and licensed distributor of Certified Angus Beef in the State of Colorado.
What exactly is Certified Angus Beef? According to the CAB, “It’s quality, plain and simple. Only truly elite beef surpasses the USDA's stringent Prime standards and meets all 10 of the brand's quality specifications. Less than 1.5% of beef achieves the high standards of Certified Angus Beef brand Prime. And marbling is key to its incredible flavor and tenderness.”
Capitalizing on their expertise, the general manager, Jeff Harvey, has been roaming the State of Colorado for the past 25 years, promoting the Lombardi and CAB brand to the elite chefs and restaurateurs who desire to offer their diners “protein” menu products that have been raised under strict standards from smaller, local independent ranchers. Recently, the company has teamed with ranchers in Dove Creek, Colorado, to offer a truly transparent farm to fork Wagyu product line and has been selected as one of a limited number of US companies allowed to import Kobe beef from Japan.
“Local” is the driving force for the Lombardi’s success and future. Employing more than 50 employees at their Sunnyside/Highlands location, the work environment resonates with a family atmosphere. With a focus on kids and students, their contributions to the community include hosting culinary programs from Metropolitan State University and Johnson and Wales along with philanthropic endeavors for the nearby Sisters of the Poor orphanage.
So, after 70 years, what’s next? Owner Victoria Philips and her daughter, Maggie Robinson, are thrilled with the creation of a newly established division of Lombardi called Prime Time. And the public should be thrilled too. Why? Because these delicious high-end meat products will soon be made available to the public. A retail outlet for Lombardi products, along with a concept for wine pairings and restaurant-quality side dishes, will be introduced just prior to the holidays. Forget the scarf or tie; what your friends and family really want are some 1 1/2-inch thick CAB bone-in Cowboy-cut rib-eyes!
The retail outlet, along with a fundraising program for clubs and organizations will soon launch the Lombardi Prime Time product line to connoisseurs around the city.
“It’s going to get legs quickly, and we want to make sure when it’s rolled out that it’s rolled out correctly. It’s a new, fun direction that we’ve talked about for years, and it’s now all falling into place,” Victoria says.