Kilkivan Small Engines to open across from the Kilkivan Hotel Motel

Less than a month after a Gympie region couple took over the iconic Kilkivan Hotel Motel, their business empire is about to expand with the addition of a new shop across the road. Watch the video:

The new family behind an iconic rural pub are already extending their empire with the addition of a new repair shop in the heart of Kilkivan.

Kilkivan Small Engines, located on 6 Bligh St, will be run by duo Jesse Drysdale and Jackson Panetta, whose parent’s took over the iconic Kilkivan Hotel Motel in June.

Mr Panetta is the owner and operator of the Bligh St business, while Mr Drysdale is the parts and service manager.

The engine retail and repair business is an extension of Grease Monkey Enterprises, and will be dedicated to the upkeep and service of everything from motorbike engines to chainsaws.

Mr Panetta’s parents, Karen and John Panetta, took over the iconic pub from its high-profile owners, Fred and Sandi Brophy, in June.

The grand opening of Kilkivan Small Engines scheduled less than a month later.

According to CoreLogic data, the property was sold to the Panetta’s in September 2021 by the same business who own the Kilkivan Antique shop nearby.

Mr (John) Panetta said the small business would remain a retail outlet for the time being, but a repair workshop was in the works following a development application lodged in April.

This application proposed the construction of a shed, which will become the workshop, and two new retail businesses.

The application is yet to be approved by council.

In the meantime, Mr (Jackson) Panetta has been conducting house-call repairs out of a van.

Kilkivan Small Engines will host its grand opening on July 1, 2022.