Keeler Hospitality Group (KHG), which operates multiple popular dining establishments throughout Arizona as well as in Nebraska and Wisconsin, has taken on operations management for Catalyst Crafted Ales, a Tempe-based brewery with an extensive array of craft beer offerings. KHG’s CEO and co-owner Matt Keeler will serve as front-of-house director of operations for Catalyst Crafted Ales to expand the brand.
“It is our mission at KHG to exceed our guests’ expectations in an ever-changing and evolving environment,” said Keeler. “With that in mind, we are thrilled to introduce our guests to Catalyst Crafted Ales and more importantly to help instill the brewer’s passion behind the beer to all of our bartenders and sales team to create more exposure for the brand.”
In need of a front-of-house operations manager with experience in opening, operating and establishing restaurants in the valley, the Catalyst team — consisting of Will Walthereson, head brewer; Alex Baldwin, assistant brewer; Eric Flottmann, vice president of operations; Grant Williamson, director of marketing; and Nick Sofranac, director of sales — was introduced to the Keeler team. It quickly became evident that all parties were very like-minded in business and their future vision for the brand.
Keeler said it has been a longtime dream of his, along with his brother Ryan’s and his late father Paul’s, to open a brewery. However, the right opportunity had not yet presented itself — until now.
“The beer is phenomenal and the space and facility are top-notch. Most of all, the passion behind everything they do at Catalyst is what really attracted me to this opportunity,” he adds. “The beers are some of the best I have had in a very long time, plus the impressive number of brews they have developed in just the past six months and the accolades they have already received made the decision very easy for us.”
Upon the collaboration, Keeler then brought in John Webber to serve as general manager of Catalyst Crafted Ales. Keeler and Webber have a long professional history, including the more than two years that Webber has worked at KHG. Keeler knew immediately that Webber would be the perfect fit for this role.
Founded in 2023 with a passion for and goal of bringing the best beer possible to the Arizona market, Catalyst Crafted Ales has already begun to establish itself as a local favorite. Phoenix magazine’s most recent Readers’ Choice awards listed the brand’s Exchange Variation as the “Best West Coast IPA,” its Good Company as the “Best Hazy Pale Ale” and its Envy as the “Best Wood Barrel-Aged Brew.”
Catalyst’s Mobility Scooter American Barleywine received a Gold in the Specialty category and its Envy Imperial Milk Stout received a Bronze in the Oak Aged category from the Arizona Craft Beer Awards.
Catalyst Crafted Ales is currently being served in all Arizona-based Keeler Hospitality Group establishments including both Liberty Station American Tavern and Smokehouse locations as well as Poppy’s Office and Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse. In addition to the Catalyst Crafted Ales brewery located at 1845 E. Broadway Rd. in Tempe, Keeler Hospitality Group will be instrumental in getting the beer out to other restaurants and bottle shops. Additional Catalyst Crafted Ales taprooms are also in the planning stages.
Photo: Catalyst Crafted Ales Brewing Team.
