Keeler is among seven Menu Strategist winners selected from different segments of the restaurant industry.  Honored in the Hotels category, he was joined by finalists David Sonzogni, vice president of culinary services at Bennigan's (Casual Dining); Maurizio Mazzon, vice president and executive chef at Il Fornaio (Upscale); Calvin Harris, corporate executive chef for Arby's (Quickservice); Chad Congrove, executive development chef at Bob Evans (Family); Scott Davis, senior vice president and chief concept officer at Panera Bread (Fast-Casual); and Danielle Price, who serves as national wine director at Smith & Wollensky (Beverage).  Each honoree must have proven success in not only introducing new and popular items to their respective menus, but also showing innovation and generating financial rewards for their companies. 

Keeler was recognized for developing the following signature restaurant brands for selected Hilton properties:  Spencer�s® (high-end steakhouse); The Fish Market (seafood/sushi bar); Finn and Porter® (steakhouse/seafood/sushi bar); Liberty Tavern (casual, all-American); and Villa Christina, Porto Terra and Penne (authentic Tuscan/Italian).   These restaurants managerially and culturally run like an owner-operated restaurant, but also enjoy the fiscal synergies possible with large corporate ownership. 

�To be recognized as the best in your field is great, but to have that recognition come from food and beverage industry leaders is truly a special honor.  We are privileged to have Paul Keeler on our Hilton team,� said Dennis Koci, senior vice president operation support, Hilton Hotels Corporation.

A 30-year hospitality veteran, Keeler was named vice president - food & beverage for Hilton Hotels Corporation in 1999.  He is responsible for strategic planning for Hilton food and beverage operations at more than 2,100 hotels in the Hilton Family of Hotels throughout North America.

Hilton Hotels Corporation is recognized internationally as a preeminent hospitality company.  The company develops, owns, manages or franchises more than 2,100 hotels, resorts and vacation ownership properties.  Its properties includes many of the world�s best known and most highly regarded hotel brands including Hilton®, Conrad®, Doubletree®, Embassy Suites Hotels®, Hampton Inn®, Hampton Inn & Suites®, Hilton Garden Inn®, Hilton Grand Vacations Club® and Homewood Suites by Hilton®.