Christian "Kit" Kiefer

Christian “Kit” Kiefer died on August 14, 2025 after suffering a brain injury. He was 71 years old.

Kit was born in Tucson, Arizona to Chris and Margaret Kiefer in 1954. In 1960, the Kiefers moved to Tarpon Springs, Florida, where Kit and his brothers, Nick and Max, were raised. Kit grew up sailing, diving, and developing a lifelong appreciation for Greek food and music. He was happiest when he was on the water. 

In his early 20's, Kit moved to Georgia, where he spent the next 40 years. He first moved to Bainbridge, where he attended college and lived in a trailer that was completely destroyed by a tornado. Fortunately he was not hurt and felt the greatest tragedy was the loss of his record collection. After the tornado, Kit made his way up to Marietta, where he worked at Jimmy the Greek’s restaurant and met Martha Reilly when she came in with her coworkers for lunch. Kit and Martha married in 1979 and had two daughters, Claire and Kate.

In 1986, Kit opened Kiefer’s Food & Spirits, a restaurant that served as a beloved anchor of Marietta for almost 20 years.

After Kit sold the restaurant, he taught culinary school, worked in restaurant consulting, and ultimately landed in a research and development role at Schwan’s Food Service, Inc. Kit was inducted into the American Academy of Chefs in 2008. He served on the Board of Directors for the Research Chefs Association from 2008-2012 and was President of the Board from 2010-2012. Kit was a certified culinary educator and certified executive chef who received numerous medals in the culinary arts throughout his career.

In 2014, Kit left Georgia. He lived in Jupiter, Florida, Kansas City, Missouri, and spent the last two years of his life in St. Augustine, Florida.

It was a unique joy to see Kit in his element. He was a musician his entire life. Whether he was on stage with the Rock Bottom Blues Band or playing guitar in the living room, his deep love for music and the peace he felt while playing it was evident. Also, as an excellent chef, nothing brought Kit more pleasure than serving food he had made; it was his favorite way to show love, and he was most fully himself when he was in a kitchen. Kit’s internal compass was always oriented toward the water on which he grew up. He loved sailing with his brothers and walking his dogs on the beach.

Kind, sensitive, and tender-hearted, Kit was better at taking care of other people than he was at taking care of himself. Among the great loves of his life were the Allman Brothers Band and his notoriously disobedient beagle, Ignatius. Kit was one of a kind. He will be deeply missed.

Per Kit’s wishes, there will be no formal service. The family encourages you to donate to your local animal shelter or enjoy a nice dinner and some live music in his honor.