NJRA named Maxey Hayse Design Studios the 2014 Architectural Design Firm of the year. The nomination was made by the New Jersey Restaurant Association Executive Committee and Board of Directors. On September 8, 2014 at the Hall of Fame Awards Dinner segment of the Annual Robert B Connelly Golf Outing, the award was presented to Susan Pitaccio, President Maxey Hayse Design Studios, Inc. by Marilou Halvorsen, NJRA President and Nancy Sheridan Laird of Restaurant Serenade. In addition, Laird is the Chairwomen of the NJRA.
Established in 1942, NJRA is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting restaurants " The members of the NJRA celebrate the heritage of some of America’s most legendary restaurants and neighborhood eateries. As the voice of the state’s largest private sector employer, NJRA makes available the highest quality education and training resources for New Jersey’s 300,000 restaurant professionals. It is also a direct link to the elected officials and policy leaders whose decisions impact every restaurant owner’s opportunity for success,” said Marilou Halvorsen, NJRA President.