Speakeasy Pays Homage to Keeler Hospitality Group Founder Paul Keeler

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (PRESS RELEASE) — This fall, Poppy’s Office is set to open its doors as an homage to the late Paul Keeler, founder of Keeler Hospitality Group which operates Liberty Station American Tavern and Smokehouse (with two locations in Scottsdale and one in Madison, WI) and Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse in Carefree. The much anticipated Poppy’s Office opens to the public at 34522 N. Scottsdale Rd., #160 on Tuesday, Oct. 17.

After Paul passed, the concept for the speakeasy, which resides next door to Liberty Station Terravita, came to his son Matt in a dream. Prior to Paul’s passing, Matt and Paul had often contemplated how to use that extra space. Upon having that dream, Matt knew he wanted to use the space to honor his father and help others remember him too.

“My dad left a big hole in all our hearts and we want Poppy’s Office to honor his legacy while celebrating everything that made him such an amazing person,” said Matt, who serves as CEO of the family company. “We’re excited to bring Poppy’s Office to fruition and help bring the community together through his memories.”

Poppy’s Office brings to life a replica of Paul’s private office and boasts a number of personal mementos, family portraits, memorabilia of Paul’s favorite sports teams as well as “Poppyisms” such as quotes Paul had become known for saying. Though Poppy was the name originally given to him by his grandchildren, Paul quickly became affectionately known as Poppy among the entire hospitality community.

The menu at Poppy’s Office takes a spicy turn with “Papi’s Tacos” — guests’ choice of carne asada (house-marinated grilled steak), adovada (red chili smoked pork butt), pollo asada (marinated grilled chicken) or carnitas (slow-braised shredded pork) all served on white corn tortillas with cabbage, diced onion, limes and salsa. Cost is $3.50 each or three for $9. The menu also features chips and salsa with chile verde (sweet and spicy green salsa) and chile rojo (house spicy red salsa) for $7 as well as chips and dips such as chilled queso dip (pimento, jalapeno, cilantro cream cheese and sour cream), chunky guacamole (avocado, tomato, cilantro and jalapeno) and grilled elote (corn off the cobb, fresh lemon juice, chipotle for $9 each.

Drink choices will of course be inspired by Paul as well. Keeler’s Beverage Director Adam Downey was instrumental in developing a creative cocktail menu to match the vibe of Poppy’s Office. Drawing from many of Paul’s most oft enjoyed beverages, the cocktail menu includes classics and favorites including:

Drink With Me Bebe featuring La Caravedo Pisco, rosemary-caper shrub, Judy’s Limoncello, local honey, sesame and peach bitters with a lemon twist, $16

Poppy’s Cigar featuring Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie, The Deacon Whisky, apple bitters, chocolate bitters, Peychaud Bitters and local honey. This cocktail is smoked tableside and finished with a luxardo cherry, $20

Naturally, the Silver Fox (another one of Paul’s monikers) will grace the menu. This cocktail features Buffalo Trace, salted espresso simple and black walnut bitters served on the rocks with an orange twist, $16.

Hours of operation are Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 4-10 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday from 4-11 p.m. First Hour and Last Happy Hour are offered Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 4-5 p.m. and 9-10 p.m. as well as Thursday through Saturday from 4-5 p.m. and 10-11 p.m. For more, visit poppysoffice.com.

About Keeler Hospitality Group, LLC: Founded by the late Paul Keeler and his wife Judy Keeler, Keeler Hospitality Group strives for excellence in every experience. Building a team of professional staff that is dedicated to creating memorable dining opportunities for guests time and again, Keeler Hospitality Group focuses on excellent customer service, unique and enticing menus, innovative bar programs and inviting atmospheres in each of its concepts. Keeler Hospitality Group believes that every guest should be treated like family and the Keeler family invites guests to become a part of theirs. Keeler Hospitality Group, LLC owns and operates two Liberty Station American Tavern and Smokehouse restaurants in Scottsdale and one in Wisconsin, Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse in Carefree, Poppy’s Office opening in fall of 2023 and Spencer’s Omaha in Nebraska. For more, visit www.keelerhospitalitygroup.com.

Poppy’s Office Opens in North Scottsdale on October 17