Photo courtesy of Keeler Hospitality Group
Paul Keeler’s unexpected and untimely death in 2021 from complications of COVID left a hole in the hospitality industry, and a hole in his restaurant family. To honor his legacy, his family (who actively run Keeler Hospitality Group and the restaurants therein), will open Poppy’s Office, this summer at 34522 N. Scottsdale Rd., Suite 160, directly next door to Liberty Station, their sister restaurant, on the southwest corner of Carefree Highway and Scottsdale Road.
Poppy’s Office will be a living memorial to Paul Keeler—the entry vestibule is literally a replica of his actual office complete with his desk, lamp, bookshelves, and memorabilia. And further, patrons will enter the speakeasy through a secret passageway.
Once inside, the 1,500-square-foot bar will feature rich fabrics, dark leather bar stools, and wood, as well as elements of copper, low lighting, and a lot of unique artwork and photos of the Keeler family. Two “family booths” will seat large parties and curtains can be drawn around them for privacy. The design firm partnering on this project is Type-X Design Studio.
“North Scottsdale doesn’t have a speakeasy—and like all our concepts––we are delighted to open in this part of town—these residents deserve the same type of amazing cocktails and experiences as other parts of the Valley offer. We will continue to innovate in this area—we love playing in the sandbox with our neighbors,” says Keeler Hospitality Group Chief Executive Officer Matt Keeler.
Poppy’s Office will also be replete with “Poppyisms,” or sayings that the elder Keeler was famous for espousing at any given moment. These sayings will be placed around the speakeasy and serve as another reminder of the impact Paul had on his community.
Poppy’s office will be open daily for happy hour and close around 10 p.m.—later, on weekends. A rotating selection of “Poppy’s Tacos” will be offered daily and customers can also order food to go from Liberty Station.
Keeler Hospitality Group’s director of beverage, Adam Downey will create an elevated cocktail menu to include a margarita prepared tableside with freshly squeezed juices, a smoked old fashioned and other innovate libations. A full wine and beer menu will also be available.
A month after his father’s passing, the idea for Poppy’s Office came to Matt in a dream. “I woke up, called my family, and said, ‘we have to do this,’ and they agreed,” says Keeler.
Poppy’s Office is expected to open this summer and many more details are forthcoming. For more information, visit keelerhospitalitygroup.com.
