January 28th was the NIAF Regional Gala held at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel. The National Italian American Foundation honored the executive chef, concept creator, and entrepreneur behind The Maggiore Group, Chef Joey Maggiore. Joe Maggiore and the Maggiore Group own and operate Hash Kitchen, The Sicilian Butcher, The Sicilian Baker, The Mexicano, and two new restaurant concepts opening soon in Phoenix, AZ.
Founded in 1975, NIAF is a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C. with the mission to encourage the 20 million Italian-Americans living in the U.S. to keep their culture alive. The organization aims to celebrate the contributions of exceptional Italian Americans through its annual award program.
Pete Melucci, NIAF's regional vice president, says the Arizona regional chapter is trying to reinvigorate itself and attract more of Arizona's Italian American population. They chose Maggiore for the top honor because of the way he shares his Italian American culture through food and philanthropy. "He is very, very creative and in touch with what people want," said Melucci. "He has this magic touch with his restaurant concepts. I don't know how he does it, but he'll explain a new restaurant idea and although it may seem far-fetched, sure enough when it opens, there's a line out the door."
Maggiore is a second-generation Phoenix restaurateur. His father, Tomaso Maggiore, opened Tomaso's in 1977 where father and son worked side by side for decades. Joey Maggiore's newest concept, The Italiano, will open this year in Scottsdale. This new concept is an ode to Maggiore's heritage and his late father. "I live and breathe Italian food, wine, and culture, so it is the Oscar award for an Italian,” said Maggiore.Arianna DiCicco
Arianna DiCicco is an educator and writer from California, born into an Italian American restaurant family with strong ties to her grandparents’ home in Abruzzo, Italy. She has lived in San Francisco, Rome and New York City where she’s made deep connections within the Italian communities and gained new perspectives about her own culture. With a Masters in International Education, Arianna has a love and passion for learning and educating others about Italian history & culture.