Comiskey Group sells hotel

Published 4:10pm 4 April 2023

Words by Nick Crockford

Beachmere Hotel has changed hands after 14 years with the Comiskey Group, the family-owned hospitality company based in this region.

The Comiskey Group built Beachmere Hotel and the shopping village and childcare centre beside it in 2009.

But the group – which owns Eatons Hill Hotel and Sandstone Point Hotel – yesterday sold Beachmere Hotel to Venu Hospitality Group.

“Going through the process of settlement has brought back so many fond memories at Beachmere Hotel and has reminded me of how far we have come over the years,” Comiskey Group Director Rob Comiskey said.

“We are sorry to see the venue go, it has been a great asset.

“Beachmere Hotel was one of our first pubs so it also holds a lot of sentimental value for my family too, but we are excited to see what Venu Hospitality Group do with the hotel.”

Mr Comiskey thanked staff at Beachmere Hotel for their “hard work and dedication”. “It’s been a pleasure to work with you all,” he said.

Venu Hospitality Group is a Brisbane-based owner and operator of hospitality venues across South-East and Coastal Queensland.

Beachmere Hotel will join a stable including the Beach House Bar and Grill chain, Madame Wu on the riverfront in Brisbane’s CBD and Chu the Phat at South Brisbane.

The group has also bought the Pine Beach Hotel at Emu Park, just south of Yeppoon.

Paul Weightman, of the Venu Hospitality Group, said: “The Beachmere community is anticipated to grow substantially over the medium term.

“We are delighted to secure such a modern and family friendly asset to add to our portfolio.” Nick Rosato, Operations Director for Venu said there wouldn’t be any major changes to the Beachmere Hotel over the short term.

However, he said visitors would see an enhanced events programme, refreshed retail offering and rebranding of the drive through bottle shop to Liquor Legends.

In March the Comiskey Group opened a garden-themed hotel, The Doonan, just minutes from Noosa and has plans for Coochin Fields, a 150-hectare festival site and Aura Hotel near Caloundra.

There are also plans for new hotels in Strathpine and Dakabin.