Queensland juggernaut the Comiskey Group has announced the addition of the all-purpose Imperial Hotel of Eumundi to its collection of large-format Queensland pubs.
Established in 1911, the Imperial is a classic two-storey Queenslander “with a modern touch” that provides multiple bars, a bistro, gaming room, a drive-through and two satellite bottleshops, an on-site distillery and Eumundi Brewery, operated by Lion.
There is also HOLA, representing the House Of Local Art, which opened in 2021 and offers 15 boutique accommodation rooms amid dozens of paintings, 100 ceramics and 12 sculptures made by local artists.
Residing on a 5,581sqm corner on the Sunshine Coast, it is across from Australia’s largest open-air retail, the famous Eumundi Markets, and attracts plenty of patronage through the weekly live entertainment.
Comiskey Group began its hotel ventures in the Moreton Bay region, north of Brisbane, and now holds some of the largest and most awarded venues in the country, in the Sandstone Point and Eatons Hill hotels.
The Imperial Hotel marks the group’s second acquisition on the coast within the year. It also purchased 150-hectares of land in Coochin Creek on the Sunshine Coast in 2022 with plans for a large-scale festival and event site.
Earlier this year the group finally opened The Doonan, which they had held and hoped to develop for 15 years, eventually partnering with hospitality veterans Josh Jones and Neville Allen.
Group director David Comiskey resides on the Sunshine Coast and commutes to work in Brisbane every day, but says he wouldn’t have it any other way, dubbing Eumundi – known as the Byron Bay of Queensland – a “must-see Queensland tourism destination”.
“The lifestyle on the coast is unbeatable, which is why we are excited to be expanding further into the region. The Imperial Hotel is my local, and I have always loved it.”
Praising its “great street appeal” the group plans to keep the Imperial’s iconic façade, while giving the interior a major renovation, incorporating the addition of two new restaurants, a new gaming room and TAB. Bringing years of construction experience, the aim is to bolster the traditional style and play up the hotel’s history.
The group’s experience operating live music institutions Eatons Hill and Sandstone Point hotels will also find purpose, with plans to bring more events to the Imperial, showcasing both local musicians and talent from the world stage.
After the revelry, the Imperial provides a place to stay, which the Comiskeys report will retain its “contemporary chic styling” but they will be adding facilities, including a heated pool.
“We are excited to take ownership of the venue, and plan to add new furniture, lighting and landscaping to really reinvigorate the existing spaces,” furthers Rob Comiskey.
“We also look forward to bringing in a new menu and offering that we hope the community will love.”
Expecting handover later this month, Rob says it was “an unmissable opportunity” to pick up the hotel and brewery, and they look forward to working with the big brewer as the group effectively brings a house brand beer into the stable.
“We can’t wait to begin this unique partnership with Lion, combining our differing industry expertise to further build our businesses and support the growth of the brand on a national scale,” replies Rob.
“We already have a great relationship with Lion, working with them in a different capacity across our pubs.”
Craig and Mel Manley curated the Imperial Hotel for years, becoming absorbed in the local art scene. It went to market mid-2022 citing its seven different revenue lines and broad market appeal, and industry sources suggest it met the expected target north of $20 million.
The sale was through HTL Property’s Andrew Jolliffe, Glenn Price and Brent McCarthy, who would not confirm the sale price but offered they were pleased with the outcome for their clients.
