Comiskey Group, a family-owned hospitality company based in northern Brisbane and awarded Australia's Best Hotel Group Operator 2023, has officially acquired the historic Eumundi Brewery from Lion. This acquisition follows the group’s purchase of The Imperial Hotel in October 2023, where the brewery is located.
The 113-year-old hotel in Eumundi, Queensland, has seen extensive renovations under Comiskey Group, including a new front bar, gaming room, tab area, band room, and enhanced boutique accommodation featuring wellness facilities such as a heated magnesium pool and hot spa. The brewery, housed within the hotel, will now become a centrepiece of the group’s hospitality offering.
Rob Comiskey, Director of Comiskey Group, emphasized the strategic importance of the move: “One of the main reasons we purchased The Imperial Hotel was its connection to the brewery… Owning the brewery as well was an obvious next step.” He added that the acquisition would allow the company to grow the brand nationally while preserving its local roots and expanding employment in the region.
Eumundi Brewery was originally launched in 1988 by brewing engineer John Lynch, who spearheaded the initial development of the brewery at The Imperial Hotel. After a brief stint as a public company, brewing was relocated to Yatala and eventually ceased in 2004. Lion revived the company in 2016 and reopened the on-site brewery in 2017, adding new brews to the lineup and re-establishing its legacy.
The Comiskey Group's entry into the brewing industry comes after launching Comiskey Distillery in 2022 and marks a significant expansion of their beverage operations. With the brewery now fully integrated into their venue portfolio, fresh Eumundi Brewery beer is being served directly from the vats to taps, offering what the group calls the freshest beer on the Sunshine Coast.
The group plans to grow the Eumundi Brewery brand across its venues and distribute it Australia-wide, capitalizing on its authenticity and strong community ties.
