our mentor & inspiration
Tomaso Maggiore
Tomaso was not only a culinary legend but also an extraordinary person. Tomaso dedicated his life to the culinary industry as a restaurateur because it was his greatest passion. He ensured that his Italian heritage was at the forefront of everything he created in his restaurants. Tomaso was involved in his community and gave back to those in need.
Because of his example of community service, The Tomaso Maggiore Culinary Arts Foundation will continue the legacy. This Foundation is also a way to honor all the chefs who strive daily to achieve excellence and professionalism in the culinary fields and who bring their passion for life and cooking to the plate.
For over 35 years, Tomaso’s has been a destination restaurant in the Central Camelback Corridor in Phoenix, Arizona. As an Italian born and trained culinary expert, Chef Tomaso Maggiore’s mission has always been to promote customs that are historically Italian but have taken on their own identity in America by recognizing the centuries old relationship that America has with Italy and the vibrant Italian-American culture here. His menu was passionately crafted and sparked by a commitment to Italian culinary excellence. Tomaso, through his frequent travels to Italy, created a fresh approach to authentic Italian cuisine. He used the finest ingredients, innovative recipes and the latest techniques to incorporate the true essence of Italy in every bite.
our board
chef joey maggiore
PRESIDENT
Joey Maggiore is the executive chef, concept king, and entrepreneur behind The Maggiore Group; an Italian American family-owned company. Joey originally learned and developed his talent in the kitchen alongside his father, culinary legend, Tomaso Maggiore. Tomaso’s Italian Restaurant was established in 1977 on The Camelback Corridor, and it was here in the family restaurant where Joey’s culinary career was ignited, eventually leading him to the growth of his family business. The late icon, Tomaso Maggiore, is Joey’s biggest inspiration and keeps his passion for food and Italian heritage alive. Joey is often found traveling and learning to bring amazing food and culture to his brands. Joey’s family is the heart of all he does, with wife Cristina and three children Giuliana, Tomaso and Melina being his pride and joy. Joey is known as “the concept guy” in the foodie world, opening over 40 restaurants, making several TV appearances, and gaining national acclaim. His concepts have been featured and awarded in many publications, including Phoenix Magazine, Thrillist, USA Today and Forbes. Joey’s TV features include Food Network, Travel Channel, FOX 10 News, ABC 15 News, NBC’s 12News, 3TV/Arizona’s Family, and his own show on Food Network: Family Style. Joey and his Maggiore Group founded brands keep the excitement going with several brands going national this year, including Hash Kitchen, The Sicilian Butcher/Baker, and The Mexicano. He looks forward to opening two new concepts within the year: The Italiano which will be upscale casual dining Italian, and The Rosticceria, where guests can look forward to wood fired meats with an Italian accent. Masseto’s is scheduled to open in first quarter of 2024, will be a fine dining Italian restaurant paying homage to Tomaso Maggiore’s with the highest standard of quality and excellence in cuisine & service.
cRISTINA maggiore
SECRETARY
Cristina Maggiore, the backbone of the Maggiore Group, is the Co-founder, acting CFO and lead designer of the Maggiore group. Cristina is a major part of the success of Joey & the Maggiore group, bringing Joey’s vision to life in all aspects of design. Cristina, alongside Joey, has opened over 40 restaurants throughout her career. In the early stages of their careers, Joey ran the kitchen while Cristina ran the front of house and took on any other roles that were needed to be successful. Now, Cristina’s job is to design amazing restaurant concepts and keep Joey’s crazy amazing ideas on track and profitable.
MELISSA maggiore MEYER
MEMBER
As the daughter of famed Chef/Restauranteur, Tomaso Maggiore, Melissa Maggiore traveled extensively to Italy with her father, where her love affair with food and wine began. After pursuing a journalism degree at Arizona State University, she decided her passion for food, wine, and hospitality could not be ignored and relocated back to San Diego to open a number of Italian restaurants throughout southern California. On May 5, 2010 Melissa opened Tommy V’s Urban Kitchen in Carlsbad, California, the subject of Food Network primetime series, Family Style. In 2018 Melissa and her husband Kevin relocated to Scottsdale to be closer to her family. In April 2021 Melissa opened The Italian Daughter to pay homage to her late father and continue the legacy he left behind.