The brewpub where the Sunshine Coast brewery launched in 2016 has shut, though Brouhaha says the closure does not affect its Baringa production business.
Since the media release below was issued, Brouhaha has clarified that the It has not owned or operated that venue since February 2024. While it continued to trade under the Brouhaha name through a franchise-style licensing arrangement, it has been independently owned and operated since that time.
The clossure marks the end of the brewpub where the Sunshine Coast business began a decade ago.
Brouhaha opened in Maleny in June 2016, one of a wave of Australian startups at the time betting on the brewpub model – using an on-site venue to build a brand and fund a brewery before chasing wholesale volume.
The 160-capacity Coral Street venue was founded by a group including former Beavertown brewer Matt Jancauskas, told Brews News in 2016 that opening the plan was for the venue to “support the brewery for the first couple of years.”
By 2021 the brewpub’s 12-hectolitre system was too small with its Strawberry & Rhubarb Sour alone tying up the brewhouse for days at a time.
Brouhaha announced a much larger production brewery to quadruple capacity, and in 2023 relocated roughly 95% of brewing to a purpose-built facility at Baringa.
The Maleny site was subsequently sold to hospitality operators and run under a franchise-style agreement, with Brouhaha supplying beer and licensing the brand.
It is that franchised Maleny venue – not the Brouhaha-operated business – that has now closed.
Media Release
Statement from Brouhaha Brewery regarding the closure of the Maleny venue
The Maleny Brouhaha venue will always hold a special place in our story as the site where Brouhaha first opened its doors in 2016.
As the Brouhaha Brewery business grew, it became clear that the Maleny site could no longer support the scale of production required to meet demand. In May 2023, Brouhaha opened its purpose-built brewery and hospitality venue in Baringa and relocated approximately 95% of brewing and production operations to the new facility.
The decision to sell the Maleny venue followed the opening of Brouhaha’s purpose-built brewery in Baringa. With brewing operations increasingly centred on the new facility, Brouhaha chose to focus on production, distribution and brand growth. The venue was sold to experienced hospitality operators with strong food and restaurant backgrounds, while Brouhaha continued supplying beer and licensing the brand under a franchise-style agreement.
While the Maleny venue has been independently owned and operated from Brouhaha Baringa since 2024, we remain incredibly grateful to everyone who has been part of its journey over the years, including the current owners, staff, customers and local community.
Like many hospitality businesses across Australia, the industry continues to face significant challenges from rising costs, increasing taxes and ongoing staffing pressures. We acknowledge these challenges and the difficult decisions that many small business owners are being forced to make.
While the closure of the Maleny venue is disappointing for everyone who has been part of its journey, it is important to clarify that this development does not reflect the financial performance or outlook of Brouhaha Brewery.
The Brouhaha brand continues to grow, with increasing demand for its products and ongoing investment in production capacity. Most recently, the brewery has purchased two new 8,000-litre fermentation vessels to support continued growth and future expansion.
Julian Leigh, Founder, Sole Owner and Director of Brouhaha Brewery, said the closure marks the end of an important chapter in the company’s history.
“Maleny is where Brouhaha began, and it will always be a significant part of our story. We are incredibly grateful to the customers, staff and community who supported us from day one and helped build the brand into what it is today.”
“While it’s sad to see the Maleny venue close, it’s important for people to understand that Brouhaha Brewery has not operated that site since February 2024. Our brewery, venue and production facility in Baringa continue to perform strongly, and we’re investing in additional capacity to meet growing demand.”
“We’re excited about the future of Brouhaha and remain focused on making great beer, supporting our customers and growing the business across Queensland and beyond.”
Brouhaha’s 10th Birthday Celebration will proceed as planned in Baringa on 27 June 2026, marking ten years since the brewery first opened and celebrating not only the continued growth of the business, but also the community of customers, staff, suppliers and supporters who have helped make Brouhaha what it is today.
Brouhaha Brewery will honour valid Brouhaha gift vouchers purchased through the Maleny venue at its Baringa brewery and taproom. Customers with questions regarding voucher redemption are encouraged to contact the brewery directly via the email.
Brouhaha branded products will still be available in your usual local stores.
Brouhaha thanks everyone who has been part of the Maleny journey and looks forward to welcoming customers to its Baringa brewery and venue for many years to come.
Julian Leigh
Founder, Sole Owner and Director
Brouhaha Brewery
info@brouhahabrewery.com.au
