Chef Keith

After 10 years as a financial planner, Chef Keith decided to leave his hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio, and pursue his passion for cooking.

He packed up and moved to New York City and enrolled at the French Culinary Institute, where he immersed himself in the school's intense, technique-driven coursework. The rigorous training sharpened his skills, refined his palate, and deepened his appreciations for precision, creativity, and discipline in the kitchen. After graduating, he furthered his craft for a decade in New York City at San Domenico and Lever House, both Michelin star restaurants, under notable chefs Odetta Fada and Dan Silverman, respectively.

After moving to Southwest Florida, Chef Keith soon became a Punta Gorda's favorite, spending six years as executive chef/general manager at Trabue, a popular restaurant in Downtown Punta Gorda. His finance background helped him skillfully run both the front and the back of the house. He also brought with him his now Chef De Cuisine, Brad Larson. The two are a talented, trusted culinary team known for consistency, creativity, and a shared passion for exceptional food.

In 2017, Chef Keith purchased FM Dons (formerly Jack's on Marion) transforming it into a Downtown Punta Gorda destination known for exceptional cuisine and personal hospitality. With a passion for crafting high-quality, flavor-forward dishes, his menus highlight fresh ingredients, refined comfort food, and the kind of thoughtful preparation that keeps guests returning again and again. He is known for his genuine engagement with diners, and you will likely see him in the dining room or bar area, greeting guests tableside, sharing the story behind the dish, and bringing the energy that is the heart of FM Dons.

His commitment to the community extends far beyond the restaurant walls. After the Meals on Wheels Kitchen was destroyed during Hurricane Ian, Chef Keith stepped up and cooked and packaged 150 meals 3 days a week for 7 months while the Meals on Wheels kitchen was renovated, and a new one was built. Today, he proudly serves on the board of directors for the organization.

Chef Keith puts his heart and soul into FM Dons, along with his wife Stacey Deffenbaugh Meyer, who retired from a successful career as a TV news anchor to pursue a new chapter in hospitality with her husband. Together, they are the perfect team: Keith orchestrates the back of the house with skilled craftsmanship while Stacey welcomes guests at the front of the house with the same warmth and professionalism that made her a trusted presence on air for two plus decades in Southwest Florida. Chef Keith and Stacey can’t wait to see you at FM Dons!