Phoenix Restaurateur Paul Keeler Dies of Covid Complications

Valley restauranteur Paul Keeler died Saturday, Oct. 9, in Scottsdale from complications related to Covid, according to Keeler Hospitality Group (KHG). He was 73.

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.

Early in his career, Keeler co-owned restaurants in Boston and upstate New York. He was later recruited as Vice President of Food and Beverage by Beacon Hotel Company. He spent 20 years with Hilton Hotels before founding Keeler Hospitality Group in Scottsdale in 2008.

According to its website, Keeler Hospitality Group focuses on food and beverage programming for hotels, consulting services, concept and brand development, and pursuing restaurant management and ownership opportunities.

“Paul had an unmatched passion for hospitality,” the obituary says. “His smile was contagious, and he could work a dining room better than most seasoned restaurant industry veterans.”

According to his obituary provided by KHG, Keeler was born on December 11, 1947, in Palo Alto, California. He attended Redwood High School and studied business at the College of Marin in Kentfield, California. In 1975, he married Judy Maeder. The couple has 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 across the United States."

A memorial service for Keeler is planned for Monday, November 8, at Highlands Church, 9050 East Pinnacle Peak Road, in Scottsdale.