The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is set to honor Chef Joey Maggiore and the Maggiore Family at the Foundation's Arizona Regional Gala in Phoenix on Saturday, January 28, 2023, at the iconic Arizona Biltmore Hotel, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel. "NIAF is proud to return to Phoenix and honor Chef Joey Maggiore and the Maggiore family for their incredible accomplishments in the restaurant industry," said NIAF Chairman Robert Carlucci.

Joey Maggiore is the executive chef, concept king, and entrepreneur behind The Maggiore Group; an Italian American family-owned company. Together with his wife, Cristina, the husband-and-wife team works together to create and manage dynamic eating destinations in Phoenix.

The successful concepts include Hash Kitchen, The Sicilian Butcher, The Sicilian Baker and The Mexicano. He learned and developed his talent from his father, culinary legend, Tomaso Maggiore. Sicilian-born chef and restaurateur Tomaso Maggiore passed away in 2021 after battling cancer.

Melissa Maggiore Meyer, Joey's sister, will also be honored by NIAF for her outstanding leadership as a restauranteur. In 2021, Melissa opened The Italian Daughter in Scottsdale to pay homage to her late father and continue the legacy he left behind.

At the Gala, NIAF will pay tribute to Joey, Melissa, and Tomaso for their achievements.

The evening will also see the Al Carfora Italian Heritage Award bestowed upon the organization known as the Founders represented by Nick Rago, Hank Santostefano, Ron Costello, Nick Pelusio, Ron Genovese, Tony Bonacci, Austin Potenza, Ermo Bartoletti, Jack Duva, and Art Consoli.

The entertainment for the evening will be the Michael Tramontana Band and DJ IceMan.

Gala tickets and sponsorship levels can be purchased online. For more details, please visit www.niaf.org/events/arizona-gala/. 

The 2023 Arizona Regional Gala would like to thank its incredible sponsors to date The Maggiore Group, Republic National Distributing Company, and Caffé D'arte!

The Gala will mark the Foundation's second annual fundraising event in Arizona following last year's dinner honoring sports legend Jerry Colangelo.