It was all hands on deck during Noosa Today’s visit to The Doonan last Friday as their team prepared for the upcoming opening date this week.
Queensland family-owned company, the Comiskey Group has partnered with long-time friends and hospitality veterans, Josh Jones and Neville Allen to bring a unique venue to the Noosa region.
The Doonan has been brought to life with the extensive renovation of the land’s existing structure, originally built in 1990 and operated as a German restaurant.
The Comiskey Group director Rob Comiskey said they were excited to finally be opening the venue after acquiring the two-hectare site at 6 Beddington Rd back in 2006.
“It’s been a long and hard battle but when you see it today, it’s just amazing,” Rob said.
“I don’t think they’re expecting this, when people walk in. It’s more of a nursery than a hotel or pub. From the menu to the gardens, it’s a really cool concept and you’ll have to come and see it.”
Known for developing and operating some of Australia’s most successful hospitality and entertainment venues, the Comiskey Group has injected $200m into the Moreton Bay region with award-winning venues, Sandstone Point Hotel and Eatons Hill Hotel at the forefront.
“If they know our other venues like Sandstone Point Hotel, it’s very different to those, so when they come here, they won’t get the cookie cutter, it’ll be a totally different feel and something that is definitely worth travelling for,” Rob said.
The Doonan offers a paddock-to-plate dining experience, sourcing local food produce and craft beer made in the local breweries of the Sunshine Coast. The venue has a large outdoor dining space and playground, encouraging families to take a scenic drive to Doonan. The property is home to a new cellar door which stocks beers, wines and spirits, with a focus on locally produced liquor.
Co-owner and Noosa local since 2017, Josh Jones said he was looking forward to sharing the venue with the community.
“It’s going to be good vibes. The Doonan is a hub of a hub. It’s casual dining but everything is going to look great on the plate,” Josh said.
“You will have your staple meals but we’ve also got an Italian pizzeria here. There will be a big focus on sharing dishes as well.
“The opening hours are going to be 10am-10pm during the week and 10am-12pm during Friday and Saturday nights. The Bottle Shop is open 10am-9pm seven days a week.”
The private opening party of The Doonan took place on Sunday 26 February where friends, family, staff, and industry partners were able to take a taste of the menu, featuring delicious wood-fired pizza, gelato, and frozen margaritas.
