About Us
The Keating Hotel Group is an organization of experienced real estate, business, and hospitality professionals dedicated to launching, developing and operating unique, highly stylized, full-service luxury boutique brands with a firm dedication to service, quality and style.
Management Team:
Edward Kaen, Proprietor
Owner, developer and entrepreneur, Edward Kaen established the Keating Hotel Group in 2006, to fully execute his vision of capturing the potential of San Diego as a world class metropolitan destination. In 2005, Kaen joined forces with Pininfarina, legendary Italian design firm best known for its designs of Ferraris and Maseratis, to establish the Keating Hotel project. The Keating was his first hotel venture, which brought excitement, a new level of sophistication and a dedication to personalized service to downtown San Diego.
Brian Rutherford, Executive Chef
A local San Diegan, Brian Rutherford, a thirty-year renowned veteran in the culinary trade heads the MerK kitchen as Executive Chef. Having achieved chef status at the Culinary Institute of America, Rutherford has perfected his skills within numerous prestigious California kitchens, including working as Executive Sous Chef for the esteemed US Grant Hotel. Putting his acclaimed skills to work, Rutherford has exclusively created the MerK Bistro’s diverse Italian menu based primarily on locally grown produce and foods.
To carefully complement Chef Brian Rutherford’s culinary creations, the wine collection consists of premiere boutique domestic and Italian vineyards, with selections focused on impressive regions, not on over-rated brands. House wines, rare selections and the new Pininfarina wine collection are available for purchase to enhance every occasion.
Aaron Anavim, Restaurant Manager
The Merk’s manager, Aaron Anavim, and his talented team are dedicated to providing a memorable dining experience. His broad background in the hospitality industry brings a commintment to four star service and a passion for fine dining to the MerK.
Our Businesses
In addition to The Merk, we manage a number of other key destinations in the Gaslamp district of downtown San Diego including
The Keating Hotel
The Keating Hotel is San Diego’s only true boutique hotel in the heart of downtown, offering sophisticated style and unique personalized service that redefines luxury accommodations.
SWAY Nightclub and Lounge
SWAY is the Gaslamp’s only boutique lounge, and features a sophisticated night club, historic wine vault with private liquor lockers, and personally hosted VIP bottle services. For VIP reservations to SWAY, please call 619-814-5777
Krust Pizzeria
Krust Pizzeria, located next door to the Merk Bistro, specializes in hand-tossed, New York-style thin crust pizza. Krust’s menu also boasts a number of sandwiches, pastas and salads made from the freshest ingredients.
