Donovan’s to keep name and burgers

van’s of Bayside, famous for its burgers and bar, may be changing hands but the buyers will keep much of the family restaurant and tavern the same after some minor renovations.
Vincent Nicolosi, a Manhasset lawyer for the incoming owners Martin Picone and Michael Guinnane confirmed that the alterations on the interior and exterior of Donovan’s, located at 214-16 41st Avenue, will be done to “spruce up” the neighborhood eatery.
“The menu is not going to be significantly different from how it is now,” Nikolosi said.
Currently, Picone and Guinnane own Louie’s Oyster Bar & Grille in Port Washington, L.I,, and Donovan’s will be their second joint project.
In 2002, the Long Island businessmen bought Louie’s from the Zwerlain family, who had run the eatery at 325 Main Street for nearly 100 years.
“Bayside is going to be very fortunate to have these two men to continue the Donovan’s name,” Nicolosi said. “Their reputation is outstanding in Port Washington, and they are very active in all community affairs.”
In mid-March, the restaurateurs signed a contract, and now Picone and Guinnane are waiting the mandatory 30 days after notifying Community Board 11 to apply for their liquor license. The new owners expect to file the application shortly after Sunday, April 15, and the sale could be completed in May or June. Nicolosi said he was unable to discuss the monetary details of the transaction.
Owner Joe Donovan will continue to own and operate Donovan’s Pub on 57-24 Roosevelt Avenue in Woodside, which opened in 1966 and was given the distinction of the city’s best burger by Time Out New York in 2004.