It’s just about impossible to live in the Valley and not have dined at one of Chef Joey Maggiore’s restaurants. The executive chef and entrepreneur behind The Maggiore Group, his concepts include Hash Kitchen, The Mexicano, The Sicilian Butcher, The Sicilian Baker, and now The Rosticceria.
For Chef Joey, being in the restaurant business is in his genes—his father, the late Tomaso Maggiore, was the culinary legend behind Tomaso’s Italian Kitchen, which he had launched in 1977 in the Camelback Corridor.
Here, Chef Joey spills on everything from his favorite dishes on the menu to what you’d be surprised to know about him … to the big concept he’s planning for Old Town Scottsdale.
First time you knew you wanted to work in the restaurant business?
Since I was 8 years old, I remember watching my dad Tomaso work the kitchen and charm the dining room. I was hooked.
What do you love about having your own restaurants?
Being able to make changes and create unique concepts.
You are just opened another new concept! Can you tell us about it?
The Rosticceria is out-of-the-box porchetta and wood-fired meats with an Italian twist. We have a build-your-own soft serve gelato shake bar, and yes, shots in Italian horns.
What sets your restaurant concepts apart from others?
For me, we focus on being the best and one-of-a-kind.
The one dish at any of your restaurants that you could eat every day?
Loaded question! At Hash Kitchen, the Birria Benedicts, at The Mexicano, the Molcajetes, and at The Sicilian Butcher, Tomaso’s Meatballs with spaghetti and fresh tomato herb sauce.
You work with your family … why is that important to you?
My wife is my best friend, we work amazing together. Our kids are now joining the party! My son Tomaso is learning to be a chef, Melina is running the doors, and Giuliana runs my social media for @ChefJoeyMaggiore.
Any future plans you can share?
We’re going big this year with The Rosticceria, The Italiano, and Il Massetos. Oh, did I mention I’m working on an amazing Chef Joey-style honky-tonk in Old Town Scottsdale? That’s all I am saying for now. Ha ha! I need to keep you waiting.
One thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
I love fishing, relaxing with the family, and I love playing craps. Ha!
