click to enlarge Paul Keeler died on October 9th as a result of Covid. Jan D’Atri Valley restaurateur Paul Keeler died of Covid-related complications in Scottsdale on Saturday October 9, according to the Keeler Hospitality Group (KHG). He was 73 years old. Keeler was a familiar face in the Cave Creek, Carefree, and Scottsdale communities. He was the founder and president of KHG, which operates two Liberty Station American Tavern and Smokehouse restaurants in Scottsdale and Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse in Carefree. A third Liberty Station recently opened in Madison, Wisconsin. KHG also operates a steakhouse – Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops – in Omaha, Nebraska. click to enlarge Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse in Carefree. Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse Early in his career, Keeler co-owned restaurants in Boston and upstate New York. He was later recruited by the Beacon Hotel Company as Vice President of Food and Beverage. He spent 20 years at Hilton Hotels before founding the Keeler Hospitality Group in Scottsdale in 2008. According to its website, the Keeler Hospitality Group focuses on hotel food and beverage programs, consulting services, concept and branding, and tracking restaurant management and ownership opportunities. “Paul had an unmatched passion for hospitality,” the obituary reads. “His smile was infectious and he could work in a dining room better than most seasoned restaurant veterans.” I Support Local Community Journalism Support the independent voice of Phoenix and help keep the future of the New Times clear. According to his KHG obituary, Keeler was born on December 11, 1947 in Palo Alto, California. He attended Redwood High School and studied business administration at the College of Marin in Kentfield, California. In 1975 he married Judy Mäder. The couple have three children, Matt, Ryan and Jessica. The obituary says KHG will continue to operate “under the direction of Matt, Ryan and his very loyal team in the United States.” A memorial service for Keeler is scheduled for Monday, November 8, at Highlands Church, 9050 East Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale.
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