From food and accommodations to unique live experiences, Murphy Hospitality Group on Prince Edward Island has built a dynamic business portfolio over the last four decades. What started with a single restaurant has grown to include several eateries, hotels, a brewery, live events and a spa. Still headquartered on P.E.I.’s red soil, the family-owned and operated business has expanded across Atlantic Canada.

Early inspiration

The foundation of Murphy Hospitality Group started with Kevin Murphy. Throughout his early 20s, he attended the University of Prince Edward Island and bartended to pay for his business degree. After graduating in 1980, he followed entrepreneurial instincts and purchased his first restaurant—the Barn in Charlottetown, P.E.I. This was the first of many investments for what became Murphy Hospitality Group.

As Murphy grew the hospitality-focused business, his wife Kathy left her nursing career to join the operation.

 

Expanding portfolio

By the early ‘90s, Murphy had expanded to several restaurants and entered the hotel business. The next investment for Murphy Group was purchasing a series of historic buildings in downtown Charlottetown that date back over 130 years. These were renovated to form The Great George, a unique hotel on the island comprising 17 notable buildings.

In 1997, the organization expanded into beer brewing, opening Lone Star Brewing Company. Growing in this area, Murphy Group acquired and created a handful of brewpubs including its Gahan House brand. This also led to the formation of Prince Edward Island Brewing Company, which produces beer on a larger scale for retail sales.

Continuing to diversify its business portfolio, in 2009 Murphy Group created Whitecap Entertainment with three partners. The division organizes the annual Cavendish Beach Music Festival, which attracts over 60,000 attendees from across the country on an otherwise slow weekend at the beginning of the summer. Murphy Group obtained full ownership of Whitecap in 2022 and shortly after launched the Sommo food and drink festival.

In 2014, Murphy Group expanded operations outside P.E.I. for the first time, opening a Gahan House in Halifax, N.S. The organization now has operations across Atlantic Canada.

 

All in the family

In addition to growing a business, Kevin and Kathy grew a family. Over time their three sons began working for the family business and each eventually moved into leadership positions. Ben Murphy, now CEO, represents the second generation along with his brothers Sam and Issac. He says he grew up working in different capacities, washing dishes, bartending, etc.

 

Growing strong

Today, Murphy Hospitality Group continues operations on P.E.I., owning 15 restaurants, two hotels, P.E.I. Brewing Company and Whitecap Entertainment. Recently, the organization added Mysa Nordic Spa to its portfolio.

When asked what sets Murphy Group apart, Ben Murphy commented: “Our motto is to create memorable experiences and being a small part in that is really important.”

---

• For more Web Exclusives, click here.