Chef Michele Di Bari, owner of Sale Pepe Pizzeria e Cucina in Lahaina and Via! by Sale Pepe in Kāʻanapali, was named a semifinalist in the prestigious 2026 James Beard Awards. Known as Maui’s only certified pizzaiolo, Chef Michele was recognized among 19 other semifinalists in the Best Chef: Northwest & Pacific (AK, HI, OR, WA) category.