Who We Are

Lombardi’s Restaurant Group is thrilled to announce the grand opening of our newest culinary venture in Mukilteo, Washington - Hook & Cleaver

Nestled in the heart of Mukilteo, this exciting addition to our family promises to deliver an unparalleled dining experience. With a focus on expertly prepared seafood and premium cuts of meat, Hook & Cleaver aims to delight your taste buds with an array of delectable dishes. Our commitment to quality, flavor, and exceptional service remains unwavering. Join us at Hook & Cleaver and embark on a culinary journey like no other in Mukilteo. Your table awaits to savor the finest flavors in a warm and inviting ambiance. We can't wait to share this new culinary adventure with you. Welcome to Hook & Cleaver by Lombardi's Restaurant Group!

Meet the Team

Executive Board


  • Founder & Co-Owner
    Entrepreneur, activist, and community leader, Diane Symms has been a restaurant owner for 50 years. Since 1987 she has owned and operated Lombardi’s Italian Restaurants, with current locations at the Everett Marina, South Mill Creek, and the Bellingham waterfront.

    Diane has been an active member of the Washington State Restaurant Association as president, board member, and chair of a number of committees. Symm’s many community affiliations include serving on the boards for the Everett Community College Foundation and Village Theatre, and prior to that she was the Board of Trustees director for the Northwest Center. Awards include the prestigious Nellie Cashman “Business Owner of the Year”, Restaurateur of the Year, Small Business of the Year, SBA SCORE Hero Award and the Retail Business Person of the Year. A survivor of breast cancer, Symms has two children, two grandchildren, and 1 great grand child. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, sailing, cooking and travel.


  • CEO & Co-Owner
    Kerri is a native of the Northwest & started working in the hospitality industry as a young teenager. With a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, her knowledge & experience are critical in many areas of restaurant operations. From HR, to marketing, finance, & everything in between - Kerri knows - and does it all!

    Community support & volunteer service are a hallmark of Kerri’s business career. Big Brothers/Big Sisters was Kerri’s first volunteer commitment after college. She has participated on Chamber of Commerce boards, PTA & school auction committees, & served on the Lynnwood City Council from 2010- 2013. Kerri is currently a volunteer board member for Hopeworks (a Housing Hope affiliate) The Snohomish County Tourism Bureau, and the Washington Hospitality Association.

    Kerri loves the opportunity to share the best of Italian food, wine & culture with guests and staff, and has since 1987. Frequent trips to Washington wine country and of course Italy are "necessary" to stay fresh and creative in the competitive culinary and hospitality scene.

    Kerri’s favorite season in the Northwest is summer. Bring on the sunny skies & warm weather, especially at the Everett & Bellingham marinas! Downtime includes working out at the gym, bicycle riding, boating & hiking, and snuggling on the coach with her husband Mark, and their two dogs Stella & Lilly.


  • Director of Operations & Co-Owner
    Kris started out in the hospitality business like a lot of people do… he needed a job and his friends were working in the industry. He soon learned that he had a true passion for the business, was relentless in implementing the most effective operational measures, and most importantly, he enjoyed the interaction with his guests. Kris considers himself lucky, because he discovered a long time ago that he is good at doing something he loves to do.

    As Kris worked up the ranks of the restaurant industry, he became obsessed with learning all that he could about food & wine. He loves to share his knowledge with his guests, his team, and basically anyone who will listen! With 20+ years in the business, Kris’s expertise as a manager and a coach is recognized, appreciated and applauded by everyone who knows and works with him. His efforts and passion are what brought him to the Lombardi’s team in 2007, and they are what makes him successful as a manager, mentor, and leader today.

    In his spare time Kris loves being a dad, likes to build things with his kids, and he is an avid supporter of our local sports teams.


  • Executive Chef & Co-Owner
    Born in Bend, Oregon, Andy started his journey down the culinary path at 14 years old, working the cold station for a local fine dining restaurant. It wasn’t long before he realized his love for cooking and creating. He proceeded to excel above his industry peers and colleagues, landing lead kitchen positions by the age of 18. Andy found his talents – and his passion – working with the gifted culinary ninjas at Bend’s historic Pine Tavern Restaurant. His passion led him to learn the restaurant trade, lending his culinary skills when and where needed.

    Andy was offered his first Sous Chef position when he was 21, working with an Executive Chef that molded his career and sharpened the edges of his ambition. It was at this time that he opened his first two restaurants. Following opportunity, Andy packed his bags and his skills, and headed south to work in fine dining restaurants in and around San Francisco. He accepted his first Executive Chef job at this time, and went on to apply his expertise and experience in the opening of two additional new restaurants. His culinary journey led him to Seattle & Lombardi’s, where he has led the charge in the kitchen since 2014. Andy’s journey is far from over, as his dreams and ambitions of opening a restaurant of his own remain strong in his heart.

    When not in the kitchen, Andy enjoys home brewing, fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family.

Lombardi’s Restaurant Group

At Lombardi's Restaurant Group, we are more than just a collection of eateries and event spaces – we are the architects of memorable experiences that tantalize your taste buds and celebrate life's special moments. With a legacy of excellence, we have curated a portfolio of exceptional establishments, each a testament to our unwavering commitment to culinary artistry and heartfelt hospitality.

Discover Our Culinary World:

Hook & Cleaver: Welcome to the newest addition to our culinary family. Hook & Cleaver invites you to embark on a voyage of flavors where farm-to-table freshness meets innovative culinary craftsmanship. Whether it's the sizzle of perfectly grilled cuts or the delicate balance of artisanal ingredients, every dish at Hook & Cleaver is a masterpiece in its own right.

Lombardi's Everett: Nestled in the heart of Everett, this establishment is a testament to our roots and a celebration of the local community. Here, classic dishes are elevated to new heights, offering a symphony of tastes that pay homage to tradition while embracing contemporary palates.

Lombardi's Bellingham: A culinary gem in Bellingham, our restaurant offers a fusion of flavors that reflect the vibrant spirit of the Pacific Northwest. From seafood delicacies to seasonal creations, Lombardi's Bellingham is a gateway to a world of culinary exploration.

Elevate Your Celebrations:

Nature's Connection: Your dream wedding or special event deserves a venue as unique as your love story. Nature's Connection, a part of our group, offers a picturesque setting that blends natural beauty with impeccable service. Say "I do" amidst lush landscapes and celebrate life's milestones in a place where memories are etched in time.

Concept Catering: Crafting unforgettable moments goes beyond brick-and-mortar establishments. Concept Catering, our esteemed catering company, brings our culinary expertise and exceptional service to your chosen location. From intimate gatherings to grand soirées, we orchestrate culinary symphonies that leave a lasting impression.

We're more than a group of restaurants and event spaces – we are creators of culinary art, champions of celebrations, and storytellers of flavor. At Lombardi's Restaurant Group, every bite and every moment is a brushstroke on the canvas of your memories. Join us in savoring life's finest moments and indulging in the extraordinary.