How Steven Wong Moves 80,000 Pounds of Lobster a Week - Vendors

In the first episode of our new series, ‘Vendors,’ we follow Steven Wong, the owner of family-run seafood market Aqua Best, as he sources the highest quality lobsters, crab, salmon, crawfish, and more from around the country to sell to some of New York City’s best restaurants. You can find out more about Aqua Best here: www.aquabestnyc.com/
Credits:
Director/Producer: McGraw Wolfman
Camera: McGraw Wolfman, Murilo Ferreira
Editor: Jay Simms, McGraw Wolfman
Executive Producer: Stephen Pelletteri
Development Producer: McGraw Wolfman
Coordinating Producer: Stefania Orrù
Audience Engagement: Daniel Geneen, Terri Ciccone
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[@cookingthebooks901]

Thats a real business owner there. Real passion for his crafts.

[@mikekyne7308]

100% so many business start ups could learn from this guy

[@cookingthebooks901]

@@mikekyne7308 most people start up business for the sole making money with no passion = shitty services.

[@miceo9840]

This guy is also the reason why the shellfish in my local creek have disappeared over the past 5 years.

[@viktorcheng2061]

MiceoBeats or his customers who are eating them.

[@jyun3102]

@@miceo9840 what do u mean ? if he doesnt do it, somebody else will

[@soksamnang2150]

To be honest, I never get boring listening to this guy speaking. I watched a whole video without skipping a second. Man, you are awesome. I want to be his friend.

[@bigfootswatching9986]

Hi Sok, my Name is Nang....Real Khmer name is SamNang too....lol. Where you from?

[@soksamnang2150]

@@bigfootswatching9986 cambodia brother

[@Dr.Pepper001]

I'll be his friend for a free lobster.😀

[@soksamnang2150]

@@Dr.Pepper001 friend with benefit, I see

[@heatheralvarez5610]

@@soksamnang2150 2c. S

[@wickedwaiata2939]

When you listen to someone who is passionate about his craft, will never get boring

[@wickedwaiata2939]

@Nixon E Can't be that trivial if you had to use that one braincell of yours to comment hahahaha

[@TheUnatuber]

Amen, WW!

[@celyl]

@Nixon E LOL You're the only one with a stupid trivial comment

[@zkurtz21]

@Nixon E how was that a stupid comment or are you talking about your own?

[@CoilBoyRunning]

@wicked waiata can confirm I should have been asleep 3 hours ago, but peoples passion keeps me up

[@AseeF]

i liked how the owner went around and gave a lot of individuals shout outs and so on. You can tell he appreciates the folks that work with him.

[@peachylady]

He only personally introduced his own family though lmao.

[@buckethead133]

@@peachylady Cuz his staffs are like his family.

[@Steven_le]

Probably one of the top 3 interviews ever from Eater.

[@ryanbradford38]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHuQdJt5pZmLY8U

[@YunanJin]

What are some of the other ones that you would recommend? This one was genuinely fun and informative.

[@loserturtle]

Yunan Jin The tofu one was really informative as well

[@HafiezhM]

The old guy from japan who procures tuna must be 1 of the 3, right? I really like that interview

[@a.nonymous8219]

This guy has humble beginnings. We appreciate people like him in this industry

[@kevinrainbolt5755]

This guy is a legit legend and has built his business to the top. His parents would be very proud.

[@insidethebnb]

Come on, his parents are Asian. "He lobster man, he not my son!"

[@stifler2893]

This guy knows his craft, called the lobster by its scientific name. Love it.

[@KWCMNY]

This guy has a knowledge, deserve for respect.

[@juanio7036]

“Our quality control is the best” I actually believe him.

[@CinoG2G]

30 years. What a legend

[@ericsonico10]

I like the fact that even though he's the owner, he's still very hands-on and working side-by-side with his staff. By the way he dresses, he doesn't even stand out.

[@1957346]

Really great man

[@joebroadbeef332]

Yep, hes a legit millionaire but seems like an average Joe

[@TungNguyen-tp3wu]

I run a small seafood restaurant for 25 yrs, I completely understand how he works. The boss is the replacement, substitution for anyone, anywhere, anytime. And you are the first in last out.

[@thairatcatcher]

Most impressive, watching a man who knows his products from A to Z.

[@KimoKimochii]

and also hands on himself, props to him

[@michaelmorris1093]

Steven Wong is a humble empath who puts the interests of others above his own. His customers and others perceive this and desire to do business with him. His likability is five star. His selflessness is a key factor to his success. Congratulations to the family who raised him. America needs more like him.

[@jessiemac9226]

This is what I called American Dream.

[@nb-ro3jl]

@yourleftnut1 Trump already did, also blamed him for covid-19.

[@rogerkim1910]

@@nb-ro3jl Actually, Trump helped US fisheries. Trump also has given tax cuts to companies like this one. Don't let your hatred for Trump fog your mind from seeing what the reality is. I can almost guarantee you that this guy voted for trump.

[@hcwcars1]

A Republican no doubt.

[@nb-ro3jl]

@@hcwcars1 no chance, he's got a half functioning brain.

[@thickpenguin4814]

Dude has great energy, love his hustle too.

[@donaldhoogendoom8014]

And he says: "I'm still learning". Awesome!

[@nicholaidraai1111]

I love how hands on he is with his customers. That is so important. Not many suppliers do that in today's business

[@uzzieb9984]

Sun Hat it’s obvious that most of his business is based in New York, he literally has a brick and mortar in manhattan. As far as social distancing goes, he’s been in business for 30 years. You think he got the reputation of being hands on from the past 4 months of pandemic or literally 3 decades of working with restaurants and clients. Try to use your brain just a little.

[@legopachycephalosaurus6825]

Sun Hat He’s wearing a mask so I’m sure it’ll be fine. In workplaces like this it’s sort of a requirement to communicate with your buyers/suppliers.

[@icemanlol119]

Hands on boss is the best boss.

[@mtl-ss1538]

@@icemanlol119 ; , randomly stumbled upon this. NZ sea food hunting. kzbin.info/www/bejne/haW6YpqbndR9h7s

[@Sacrozhangt]

With his power to predict which lobsters are best, he could be called the Crustacean Clairvoyant

[@TheCheat_1337]

Decapod Diviner

[@cogitoergosum2655]

Shellfish Sorcerer

[@chrispaul1010]

@@cogitoergosum2655 how about Shellfish Scryer?

[@luckyMiddlebrook]

Crustacean Kreskin!

[@pixiebomb28]

a muuuch better title, i dont know who tf came up with "sourcerer" BOO

[@LifeWithRilla]

Man this guy is passionate about what he does! I love it!

[@d.n9705]

When a business is so important to the community it has become a responsibility instead of just chasing profit. It's really touching seeing how dedicated, passionate and involved this guy is in his company.. a quality of truly great leaders

[@polarspirit]

Listening to him talk about lobster is like listening to bubba talking about shrimp

[@lutfirizkiakbar1200]

i know what u did there

[@jerryraboy8865]

Forest gump is listening 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ClaudioVersace]

I am very impressed. No cut corners. Knows his business. Focused on delivering a quality product. Real work ethic.

[@ryosap6397]

I watch this video like 3 times. Love the dedication, quality control, and commitment. And the boss is very hands on, he does the delivery by himself, he is literally working alongside the team.. helping the team. That's top leadership man. Kudos.

[@yeryangchang5000]

2 twice.for me.

[@msorros]

This was a great behind the scenes access to a high quality seafood supplier. The honesty of Steven and his message of the hard work required to achieve success is lost in today's on demand world. Bravo Steven Wong!

[@graceplacido3628]

9 zzz

[@anicetoogumoro6208]

"Success is built upon layer on layer on layer".. Best description of success ever

[@tdbarton7712]

In grade school he worked til midnight "just to help the family out". What a legacy he is continuing. Bravo.

[@namoruse5812]

"When people say I can't find stuff, I find them whatever they want" That's a business man

[@TheTeddy9212]

Sad thing is we can catch those crVel Jack's but they only go for 15cents a lb so we let them swim

[@TheMightyAgency]

Change a few words and it could be applied to the mafia :)

[@GregSmith110]

@@TheMightyAgency Makes me hungry. These guys know what they are doing!

[@LIONTAMER3D]

@@TheTeddy9212 cheap & delicious: good combo for diners, bad combo for fishermen =/

[@LIONTAMER3D]

@@TheMightyAgency Mafia Version: whenever people say "I can't find stuff" I put a gun to their head and suggest they look a little harder

[@DonVitosLazyEye]

I wanna shake this man's hand for his work ethics and attitude.

[@spaceburger80]

Mr. Wong, your family history is the most beautiful part of this incredible mini-documentary. Your work ethic, dedication to craft mastery, and love of family is inspiring.

[@alexanderlee6509]

So much respect for Steven. From the way he speaks, it is clear that he is highly intelligent. That coupled with his work ethic, appreciation for his humble background, passion and skill (the way he butterflied that fish!), hats off to him. I wish them the best in these difficult times.

[@farmerlife3408]

Yes, totally agreed and he is expert to it

[@wavemaker2077]

I didn't even realize that this video is 17mins long. I admire how this guy is so passionate about his business. He knows his product very well and he is so hands on that he delivers them himself. What a dedication to his business. Every business owner should be like him.

[@heatherlory99]

@@derpmeyer5902 he is successful though. What is your point?

[@deedumeday518]

@@derpmeyer5902 what?

[@Kevinintheback]

I gotta say, this dude... is amazing. My hat is off to you and your family. You CLEARLY work your ass off and deserve to be where you are. I respect that. 👏

[@randallwu4364]

Steven has the same passion my Dad had in being a seafood provider in NYC. My father ran a small store on 50 Mott St from the 1950's-1970s. He was down at the Fulton fish market by 5:30 am to have his truck loaded with the days seafood. He taught me to scale and gut fish just like Steven did in his video, big scissors and all. Steven's connection with his customers and product brought back memories of my Dad. Bravo Steven!

[@koanlover]

This was one of my favorite episodes! I love how informed, charismatic, and friendly Steven was. It was very enjoyable to learn and to feel welcomed into his business.

[@kirara4953]

The way he drags the lobster around like a toy when showing that it drags it's claws is so funny.

[@peterpanda8653]

This man truly deserves all the success that comes his way.

[@LIONTAMER3D]

He's been working his ass off since he was a kid

[@jadedjay7861]

He's earned it.

[@oldironsides4107]

He took his own life last fall. Completely broke and shot himself compelety nude in the street.

[@tomallen9179]

What a great story. He would be be a super role model for just about every business. What an inspiration.

[@jakeMontejo3272]

I’ve shopped their store on Grand St. They are hands down the best in Chinatown, one of the best in the city. They not only pass the visual test but also quality. It’s awesome they’re getting recognition, which means more of a headache for us regulars with lines.

[@carolinebarnett9848]

What's the name of his market?

[@joshshuffman]

@Gen C I'm sure. I used to live right around the corner when it wasn't a desirable neighborhood. I'm sure it's out of control, now. I imagine the bakery is still next door with its fantastic coffee and bao.

[@williamadams2361]

I'd rather impress and impact people by creating value to their lives which is the only true and honest path to wealth and abundance.

[@danhanson5314]

Currently in this phase of life. Bitcoin is already making legitimate and profitable way for investment.

[@ericrobert4651]

@@danhanson5314 Crypto is already taking over the world's economy. Bitcoin most especially.

[@carsoncordelli9557]

Can someone really make a living by trading bitcoin?

[@jamesmarcus4105]

@@carsoncordelli9557 Yes of course. The profits that i got from bitcoin trading have been sustaining.

[@jamesmarcus4105]

@@carsoncordelli9557 My finances throughout this pandemic period, I leant it here on KZbin and invested.

[@vikvegas8593]

This guy is inspirational. He has built knowledge through years of hard work and he deserves the best.

[@globalmacro]

I was captivated for the entire 17mins.. Tremendous respect for the owner Steven.

[@747maran]

Never thought a clip on lobsters would be so captivating..This guy's life is working, no breaks to enjoy his money.?

[@mlconnors6117]

Yes a select few live their lives like this. Work 12 to 15 hours a day for about 20 years save everything , invest everything and retire early. The smart ones retire at 40 years old and manage their passive income and trade stocks while traveling 8 months out of the year. 3 months in Italy , 3 months in Mexico , 2 months in the phillipines. The key is to get out financially ahead and enjoy life before too much time passes by. The only thing is you need financial success in order to live this life and it doesn’t come easy at a younger age As not many people have this dedication and work ethic. .

[@rocketman3770]

@@mlconnors6117 no telling secrets!

[@frans9344]

I like the way the owner describes everything... so humble & friendly...

[@abdullah090810]

I love this guy. He remembers his humble beginning and still after amassing huge success, he still is as humble.

[@famousamos]

I've watched a few videos of the Japanese fish market. But it was interesting to see an American NYC version of it as well.

[@viqq183]

I have watched this video like 3 times it pops up in my recommended list and always interesting.

[@JustAnotherPoorSlob]

The Tsukiji equivalent would be the New Fulton Fish Market (which is no longer on Fulton, downtown, but now in the Bronx). This is just our local-ish wholesale/retail fish market (I live near here)

[@Khalid963]

@@evanouk3297 q

[@salinawhite7669]

Wow I would like to GO EAT NYC some time

[@mimovil8730]

@@JustAnotherPoorSlob Now the Tsukiji market is somewhere else!

[@georgeli3921]

Please do a part 2 at his Pearl restaurant after they reopen for indoor dining. I been there and it's wonderful. Obviously they get the best seafood from his own source!

[@sultanjaksel9624]

NYC located right? brilliant

[@CongoGTACongo]

Yes. Lower East Side Manhattan.

[@sultanjaksel9624]

@@CongoGTACongo thanks... definetely will want to visit 👍

[@piglette0928]

He had a restaurant too??

[@CongoGTACongo]

@@piglette0928 yes..it's in the video at 25 seconds in...Essex Pearl

[@hopelesswanderer6891]

When ever you watch a master in their craft it’s awesome! No matter the craft. The knowledge and fluidity in which they can describe the product and processes is so cool.

[@surnamehrubes5632]

What a well deserved success story from a hard working American with strong Family values. This honorable man is a totally awesome role model for other Americans.

[@MJ.unplugged]

The way he gilled the fish, I was like a sports commentator watching in disbelief....a slam dunk, a screamer, a homerun, hailmary pass, etc

[@MJ.unplugged]

@@solchapeau6343 you are right, but I was saying it from a spectator POV when the hail mary pass works and people can't believe what they just saw

[@oopopp]

He's supporting a HUGE part of his family tree.

[@TheAquaman1979]

Let’s face it that says a lot about him and his product. The family look up to this guy.

[@joanthorington3593]

You , your family and co-workers are truly amazing at what you do! This coastal Alabama gal had no idea what happened behind the scenes,what a great job,amazing Mr. Wong,truly amazing amazing!

[@siopaothegreat]

I can tell this guy is very considerate of others.

[@jks15jkhaha2]

back when i lived in nyc, theyre the only guys id buy seafood from! best live products! im so glad theyre finally getting some recognition!

[@barrypaul4199]

Outstanding local business - they made their own luck through hard work.

[@TufinaWatches]

This is why we at Tufina love family businesses. Nothing else like it. Bravo!

[@rogerhuber3133]

I really admire him for his dedication to delivering top notch seafood to his customers.

[@qiaowang7147]

Hands down the Best real, honest and down to earth episode by Eater so far

[@davidmorris9596]

Sorry to hear your pop passed when you were so so young. However, I'm sure wherever he is he's pointing at you saying " that's my son"!!"Look how hard he works"!!$ I really enjoyed learning how different lobsters are!! I never would've even thought about it.

[@autophr3949]

This guy is like the king pin of sea food. He got all the contacts, and all the information.

[@janstrobach8623]

I just retired as a meat department manager for vons Safeway corporation dealt with a lot of seafood and lobsters but you just taught me so much I'm glad you're company and your family is thriving

[@thelorax2738]

Never knew I would learn so much about lobster in a single video.

[@Rhaspun]

And also realizing that there's more to learn.

[@SR-rc4on]

I have a friend here in Hawai’i that’s a fish purveyor/buyer. He’s the contact man for tons of restaurants on the mainland. We were out having some beers and I was like ‘dude you have such a cake job I’d kill for that’...boy was I wrong, 😂. I come to find out it’s one of the most stressful, intense, hardest jobs around. If he doesn’t make the right call or get the right fish, he takes all the loss (financially and reputation) He literally goes to the fish auction at 3am EVERYDAY. Works his @$$ off, meets deadlines, and has to manage $$$ tightly. I think I’ll stick to my 9 to 5, 1/2 hr lunch, weekends off, etc. lol

[@user-rv9um5xc3r]

Food business is crazy. But we love it 😁

[@6seasonsandamovie_]

The definition of what a *MASTER of his craft* is - period. Hats off to this man & his co.

[@patriciagurwitz509]

These guys certainly have to be admired for their hard work and dedication♥️

[@theshonuff8956]

This guy is the Michael Jordan of lobster provisioning.

[@migueldelarosa9710]

Its so crazy like when your like Ima be a seafood supplier or a chef you unknowingly also having to now understand weather , seasonal patterns for every fish around the world , and just like so many other things . He’s got that down Fr

[@lucianoromero777]

This dude motivates me everytime I see him, he’s always willing to put the time into everything he does regarding the business

[@Warren_Flatt]

this is a great example of pure hard work paying off and never using your upbringing, culture, race or hand in life as an excuse. much respect Steven Wong.

[@Max-bi3sl]

love this guy's positive outlook despite business may be slow because of the pandemic

[@jackji49]

It’s a FACE culture 🤭🤭🤭

[@hby7768]

business is slower but definitely still very lucrative for suppliers

[@SuperTrollAzN]

You can tell this guy loves what he is doing, not much people can say that. Respect

[@lucienvandegaart3611]

His judgment and professionalism save time and money for all. Thats an honest man that makes so many so happy for his honesty. What being human is all about

[@buffbanana15]

This guy deserves his own TED Talk.

[@gorillachilla]

ted is for noobs like yu

[@octaviof.g.7316]

he doesnt blow himself enough to want a TED talk

[@beel.5627]

@@gorillachilla "Samed" to you. Haha

[@mtl-ss1538]

@@octaviof.g.7316 ; , randomly stumbled upon this. NZ sea food hunting. kzbin.info/www/bejne/haW6YpqbndR9h7s

[@CN-xt7hj]

That’s the American dream right there. Years of hard work builds success.

[@legopachycephalosaurus6825]

A hard worker is a happy worker.

[@3520506]

Indeed!

[@pw7138]

Hey P B, it's me!

[@hajjnapoli2644]

Standing ovation. Asians are the most hardworking people I have ever come across. You can clearly see how serious he takes his business. Bless up man

[@spizzenergi2292]

“Fresh ice is important everyday”, totally agree, I hate that frozen crap.

[@Abdullah6T]

😂

[@maximumenergy5925]

Ice will actually freezer burn and taste nasty man

[@julieannjohnston7333]

😂🤣😂

[@giddeonlazarus2093]

Some people reuse ice, smells like crap

[@Cyrribrae]

XD amazing

[@appleman812]

imagine their family get togethers......everyone is probably sick of lobsters lol..the flex is unreal

[@jungyew]

I was wondering the same thing!

[@braxton4965]

Don’t want to see not 1 shred of seafood 😂

[@zymbotictoot]

@El Bottoo lobster is cheaper than chicken breast around here. So we really do get sick of them lol.

[@zymbotictoot]

@El Bottoo Lol, Nova Scotia Canada.

[@TonMaison]

Yes they are! 👍

[@woodstoney]

An amazing story of dedication, hard work, and passion for what you love doing. Thanks for sharing!

[@lovefreebee]

i'm very impressed with steve wong how he managing his lobsters business & how he got there...great work & good luck!

[@juuvvy]

i always love these interviews. there's one thing that i always notice in these people- its that they are extremely good in their craft. im 30, almost 31, and im still trying to find my passion/craft in life to pursue... it's getting late for me :\ and i always have high respect for these guys in the trade no matter the product- cell phone screens, lobsters, truffle, whatever.

[@mipajaro1]

I remember once while my dad was alive I tried to save money to take him for lobster. He was so nice I did not have enough so we had fish. I was so sad but he did not mind.

[@yidiimidrange2013]

i’m sure he was happier being with you than worrying about whether he was eating lobster or not :,)

[@DeadPool-zn2hp]

this man is an inspiration. you can be hands on being an owner that way you can see everything. as long as you keep track of your business personally, you are on the right track

[@vegasconfessionspodcast8202]

As a chef this is awesome to see the passion the man has behind everything he does from hand scaling every lobster to hand delivery’s says a lot about him, Very cool to see and to see him jump in the kitchens and work with the chefs is just showing you he loves spreading his knowledge and makes the relationships even BETTER ✌️ We need more vids & People like this 👍

[@hixrat]

The dream: to eat so much lobster you can identify the origin from one bite. That is the endgame my friends.

[@justinalbert6827]

Come to Prince Edward Island Canada and I Will feed you enough lobster to make you sick. He is totally right. You can taste the difference in lobsters from different areas. Even the texture will have a slight difference.

[@vanessa271]

Lol...lobster? I thought financial freedom is the endgame...

[@WraithLK]

@@vanessa271 lobsters ain’t cheap man

[@charlesgale4257]

@@WraithLK they arent that expensive I pay $11 a lb

[@WraithLK]

@@charlesgale4257 it depends where you live. Most people don’t live where lobster is cheap.

[@patrickoh6628]

Steve has a seafood restaurant in Essex market called Pearl. It's the best seafood ever

[@MbisonBalrog]

I must try now

[@naelyneurkopfen9741]

Is anyone allowed to go there now? From what I've gathered the whole place is pretty much dead & not coming back thanks to great "leadership".

[@bunnystrasse]

Naelyn Eurkopfen that’s sad

[@BacktoAzn]

Oh ok

[@WilliamAiken]

We need more videos like this!! * Great Backstory * Motivational * Educational * Inspiring

[@eddygeoffry7596]

‘Ive eaten so much lobsters in my life that I could tell the difference in tastes’ so much flex

[@vonlipi]

The lobster whisperer....this man has a lot of passion.

[@shaker7804]

I appreciate your work ethic and how much you achieved. You have proven, you can overcome any hardship. WD Steven and family.

[@crosleysparty]

This lobster guy is inspiring and a great guy! He really cares about his business and doing a good job.

[@snuka123]

What a legend!! Down to earth, humble, family man and an inspiration!!

[@tommyterryrosarich]

He's definitely earned his American dream. Perfect story of what america is built on

[@pw7138]

It's build on wars.

[@TanukiSC]

Guy is a damn boss. Such dedication and commitment to doing one thing the best you can. Wish him more success in the future!

[@MrKenhou]

This was awesome. Mad respect to Steven. Running a business is not easy. You can see the passion he has for his business

[@scorporsupremacy7948]

His father would have been VERY proud of him 👍🏽💯%

[@freddy7171]

Duude that one chef who got the lobsters hand delivered really just cooked them fresh out the box. That was satisfying

[@GregdEntremont]

I grew up in southern Nova Scotia, in LFA 34, and as a kid I worked in a lobster plant that cooked 60 crates per hour. Very interesting and truthful video.

[@fishtales2597]

Respect to these guys and their parents. , i mean how many kids these days would come home from school, work till 12am have little sleep and then go back in to school day in day out.

[@thelastking6575]

You can tell this guy has passion in what he does, his respect for his clients and customers as to what they want and how informative he knows about his stuff. Learned more than I should compare to other usual videos.

[@ryanbradford38]

yeah kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHuQdJt5pZmLY8U

[@balazsbucsku3370]

I think guys like him play a great part in a successful restaurant. Great product is the first step.

[@larsvegas1505]

yes great product.. only sad thing is to think how much lobster just this man sells... knowing that a lobster can be 150+ years old... its not like u can expect to find a lot of them to grow so big because of demand... most will never grow beyond like 5-10. and then u have a american just throwing 3 of them on a bun... like tf..

[@PaulHo]

Wow, he's just so admirable. Humble and knowledgeable, I never would've assumed a NY'er. It's so refreshing to see how invested and passionate he is about his craft, and not just hocking trash.

[@Rhaspun]

He admits at the end that he's still learning.

[@mattmcclellan4011]

This place, the owner, and the employees are awesome. Next time I’m in NYC I’m going to ask to check it out.