Comiskey Group acquires Eumundi Brewery at The Imperial Hotel from Lion

A hospitality giant is ready to make its mark in the brewing industry after acquiring a famous South East Queensland brewery, with plans to export its products across the country.

The Comiskey Group has acquired the Eumundi Brewery which is located at the Imperial Hotel in Eumundi, on the Sunshine Coast. Photo: Supplied

A Queensland hospitality giant is ready to make its mark in the brewing industry after acquiring a brewery, with plans to export its products across the country.

The Comiskey Group has officially acquired the Sunshine Coast-based Eumundi Brewery from Lion, with the brewery located within the walls of the Imperial Hotel, which the group purchased in October 2023.

While brewing beers marks a step in a new direction for the hospitality group, it is not an entirely foreign concept, with the acquisition of the brewery coming after the launch of the Comiskey Distillery next to the Eatons Hill Hotel in 2022.

The Eumundi Brewery is located at the Imperial Hotel at Eumundi. Photo: Supplied

Comiskey Group Director Rob Comiskey said he purchased the 113-year-old hotel at Eumundi, with an eye on acquiring the brewery.

“I have always been a fan of the Eumundi Brewery products and brand,” he said.

“One of the main reasons we purchased The Imperial Hotel was its connection to the brewery.

“We saw the site as an iconic landmark for the Sunshine Coast, brimming with untapped potential.

“Owning the brewery as well was an obvious next step, enabling us to invest further and make it the centrepiece of the hotel.”

Comiskey Group Director Rob Comiskey with Eumundi Brewery beer. Photo: Supplied

Established in 1988, the Eumundi Brewery entered the market with its own lager, before production was outsourced to Yatala Brewery.

Brewing of the Eumundi beer brands was discontinued in 2004, before Lion revived production in 2016 and then reopened the Eumundi Brewery in 2017, with a selection of products including a new lager and pale ale.

Staff at The Imperial Hotel pouring Eumundi Brewery beer. Photo: Supplied

Mr Comiskey said the brewery was set to become a cornerstone of the group’s operations and has bold plans for expansion.

“With its deep roots in the Eumundi community, preserving the brewery’s legacy was a priority for me,” he said.

“Eumundi Brewery has a solid foundation for us to continue to grow and distribute Australia-wide.

“With this growth, the brewery will create even more local employment opportunities. We are excited to see what the future holds.”

Mr Comiskey has invested in upgrading facilities at the site and has vowed to introduce new brews.

“We serve Eumundi Brewery on tap — it’s the freshest beer on the Sunshine Coast, poured straight from the vats to the taps,” he said.

“We’re thrilled to expand the brewery’s brand presence, not only at The Imperial Hotel but across our other venues and nationwide.”

The Comiskey Group owns a host of venues throughout South East Queensland including the Eatons Hill Hotel, Dakabin Hotel, Sandstone Point Hotel, Samford Hotel, Imperial Hotel, and The Doonan.

Originally published as Comiskey Group acquires Eumundi Brewery at The Imperial Hotel from Lion