Name: Melissa Maggiore Meyer
Facebook: The Italian Daughter
Instagram: @TheItalianDaughterAZ
Website: TheItalianDaughter.com
Age: 51 (That looks like a typo…but sadly, its not lol)
Title: President / Owner Pazza Ragazza Restaurant Group, The Italian Daughter, The Italian Daughter Pizzeria, Mother and Wife
Married/Single: Married
Kids: Francesco – 16, Marcella – 24, Abbie – 26, Lindsey – 28, Jacki – 30
City you live in: Scottsdale
A typical day in my life includes… Waking up at 5:30 am before my alarm clock goes off, dragging my teenage son out of bed, contemplating the latest news with my husband, consuming more coffee than should be legal, and then heading to the restaurant for a day always filled with unexpected plot twists….and I love it.
I was born…In New York, and you know what they say….you can take the girl out of New York, but you can’t take New York out of the girl.
My favorite thing about Arizona…the sense of community, the elevated dining scene and my Phoenix Suns.
I’m listening to…Billy Joel and Snoop.
My family…is my life.
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be…My father. I miss him every day .
One thing I cannot live without…my family, a great mortadella sandwich on crusty bread, Calabrian peppers…I really cant pick just one!
When I was younger, I wanted to be…A stage actress.
I’m inspired by…a great comeback story.
The one person who motivates me is…My parents.
If I could change anything in the world, it would be…bringing back the family dinner.
The perfect day would be…golfing in the morning, having friends and family over for a pool party, eating an unforgettable meal together, watching basketball and playing games.
My first job was…a hostess at Tomaso’s Restaurant at the age of 12.
My favorite escape… traveling to Italy.
My life…is crazy, busy, hectic and full of the best family and friends…I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I’m currently working on…my new pizza concept, The Italian Daughter Pizzeria in North Scottsdale. Opening October 1.
Always…do the right thing.
Never…EVER cut your pasta.
Favorite Quote… “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” – Maya Angelou
Biggest Dream…to see a cure for cancer in my lifetime.
My Pet Peeve(s)…when people are not their authentic selves. (And Yelp…lol)
Bio-on yourself/company: As the daughter of famed Restauranter 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 returned to San Diego to assist in the opening of a new family restaurant venture in Coronado. Through the years Melissa developed her skills and knowledge of restaurants from her mentor and father. In 1997, Melissa opened the trattoria, La Bruschetta, in La Jolla, California, and embarked on a second location, Zibibbo Italian Bistro, in Encinitas, California in 2000. 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 family and assist in the family operations. In 2021 Melissa opened, The Italian Daughter in homage to her late father. Melissa will be opening a second Italian Daughter location in Scottsdale, October 2023.
