During the Regional Arizona Gala on Jan. 28, the National Italian American Foundation honored Joe Maggiore and the Maggiore Group, which owns and operates Hash Kitchen, The Sicilian Butcher, The Sicilian Baker, The Mexicano and two new restaurant concepts opening soon in metro Phoenix.

Founded in 1975, NIAF is a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C. Their goal is to encourage the 20 million Italian-Americans currently living in the U.S. to keep their culture alive and they aim to celebrate the contributions of exceptional Italian-Americans through their annual award program. Past honorees included Antonin Scalia and Frank Sinatra.