Bigwig of giant hospitality, the Comiskey Group, has unveiled its long-held and hard-fought new venue on the Sunshine Coast, The Doonan.
The Comiskeys are producers of two of Australia’s largest and highly awarded pubs – the mighty Eatons Hill Hotel and sprawling Sandstone Point Hotel, which have injected $200 million into the Moreton Bay region.
In 2006 the Group acquired a site in Doonan, looking to overhaul the pre-existing building, built in 1990 and operated as a German restaurant, and develop the property.
After owning it for 15 years and jumping through a maze of hoops, they were granted approval for works to begin in early 2022, entering a partnership with long-time friends and hospitality veterans, Josh Jones and ‘Nifty’ Neville Allen for the new boutique venue. Construction cost was estimated at $6 million for the project.
The existing structure would keep its unique exterior and distinctive red roof, while transforming into a modern garden-inspired setting highlighting landscape design, amid a large outdoor area and playground, dining space serving a paddock-to-plate sourced predominantly from local food producers and breweries, and a cellar door stocking local beverage brands.
Due to open to the public in March (bookings here), the proprietors hosted a stunning private opening party of The Doonan on Sunday (26 February), welcoming friends, family, staff, industry partners and associates of the Comiskey family, and select media.
“It was fantastic to be able to celebrate the completion of The Doonan with friends, family, staff and associates,” said Josh Jones, co-owner and director.
“The private opening party was a great opportunity for our new staff to ease into their roles, it was really nice to see them all in action! We are well-equipped to bring this new exciting venue to life, we are so looking forward to it.”
“Our team have been working hard to get this project off the ground and I couldn’t be prouder of the outcome,” furthers Comiskey Group director and co-owner, Rob Comiskey.
“It’s a unique venue, perfect for families. I hope our neighbours and visitors are as excited as we are, with over 4,000 people on the waitlist and climbing, it sure seems that way!”
The Doonan occupies a two-hectare site at 6 Beddington Rd, Doonan on the Sunshine Coast, 10 minutes south of Noosa.
Can we book a table?
Looking forward to the public opening of The Doonan. It is so close it will become our local. A nice easy walk too and from for a meal and a quiet drink. Pleased it will focus on ‘Family Friendly’ themed environments.
Hi just wondering when we can book a table?
Looking forward to coming and bringing a group of ladies for lunch at your new venue .
Can’t wait shame we missed the opening Party, who ate the A group 😀💓
Beautiful fit out ! Great food, lovely staff! Kid friendly. We’ll definitely be back!