Queensland family-owned company, the Comiskey Group have partnered with long-time friends and hospitality veterans, Josh Jones and Neville Allen to bring another unique venue into the sunny state of Queensland.
Known for developing and operating some of Australia’s most successful hospitality and entertainment venues, the Comiskey Group have injected $200m into the Moreton Bay region with award-winning venues, Sandstone Point Hotel and Eatons Hill Hotel at the forefront. The group are coming further north after being granted approval for a new boutique venue on the Sunshine Coast, the new venue will be their first outside of Moreton Bay.
In 2006 the Comiskey Group acquired the two-hectare site in Doonan, nestled in the scenic Noosa Valley, with plans to develop the property and pre-existing building.
Comiskey Group Director, Rob Comiskey is excited to announce the approval of the $6million project which is expected to commence in early 2022.
“We saw a great opportunity when the land in Doonan came up for sale. The property is just a ten-minute drive from the famous Noosa and a five-minute drive from the country town of Eumundi, making it an easy escape for locals and tourists alike! I am pleased to announce that after 15 years of ownership, we have decided to make something of this incredible property and have come up with not only a concept but a name for the new hotel development, The Doonan” says Rob Comiskey.
The Doonan will come to life with the extensive renovation of the land’s existing structure, which was originally built in 1990 and operated as a German restaurant. The building will keep its unique exterior and landmark-worthy red roof whilst transforming into a modern garden-inspired setting with a focus on landscape design – bringing the beauty of the outdoors indoors.
The owners are looking to engage CUSP, a highly regarded landscape architecture and urban design studio known for iconic James St projects in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley. CUSP are currently working on the urban design for large scale project, Queens Wharf in the heart of Brisbane CBD.
Once complete, The Doonan will offer a paddock-to-plate dining experience with the owners looking to source local food produce and craft beer made in the local breweries of the Sunshine Coast. The venue will offer a large outdoor dining space and playground, encouraging families to take a scenic drive to Doonan. The property will also be home to a new Cellar Door which will stock beers, wines and spirits with a focus on locally produced liquor.
The new pub venture is close to home for Noosa locals and co-owner Josh Jones and Neville ‘Nifty’ Allen.
“We’re really excited about partnering with the Comiskey Group to bring The Doonan to the Sunshine Coast. As long-time locals, Nifty and I are looking forward to combining our passion for the area with our expertise in hospitality to deliver this venue, which I have no doubt will be a great addition to the community. Having a young family myself, I’m most excited to create a venue that resonates with the many families on the Sunshine Coast. The Doonan will offer a family-friendly experience unlike anything currently in the area. I can’t wait to see my own family enjoy the venue,” says Josh.
The Doonan will not only provide new exciting facilities to the area but offer numerous job opportunities across a variety of roles from construction through to operation, with locals taking preference in the search. Some of the positions that will be listed on Seek will include; bar staff, kitchen staff, wait staff, reception staff and more.
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