Dan Connor (at microphone) and James Jacobson (in blue vest) Photo: QueensPost
Jan. 7, 2013 By Christian Murray
In July, Donovan’s Pub looked as though its days were numbered when its long-time owner Joe Donovan put the building and the pub up for sale.
However, two Woodside men came to the rescue saving the famous institution. They have acquired the building and Donovan’s Pub, which has been a Roosevelt Avenue landmark since 1966.
Dan Connor and James Jacobson, both with long ties to the bar/restaurant, took ownership on December 28. Both men spoke at Thursday’s Community Board 2 meeting.
Jacobson has worked at Donovan’s for 28 years, starting out as a bus boy when he was at high school and later becoming a bar tender. Meanwhile Connor is married to Jacobson’s sister and is well known to many at the establishment.
Both men attended St. Johns Prep and own their homes in Woodside.
Donovan’s Pub at 57-24 Roosevelt Ave. (Photp courtesy of Donovan’s Pub)
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29 Comments
I’m glad these guys bought the place. I had many fond memories there. I also remember Victor and Jessie behind the stick. I also remember many of us would debrief there during the son of sam investigation. I also remember 3 jerks who robbed the rear cash register while the bar was filled with cops. It ended up being a big mistake by them. Always had a large crowd on St. Paddy’s day with great corn-beef and cabbage, and the Emerald society band. Just a great neighborhood place, world famous for its food and drink.
Right on, Woodsider.
You want a hamburger, Angela? Go to McDonalds, you old battle axe!!
Donovans is back!! Me, Billy O and Eugene Jonny are working the back rooms and Jimmy elephant nuts hanly is working the bar!!
It’s 1987 all over again!!
Angela, may I ask what you mean by “so called new owners”…..do you have reason to believe there are not new owners, if so please share. Regarding the St. Sebastian lot, that is technically private property, while people do park there, I think it would be negligent of anyone to suggest it for the benefit of their business without making an arrangement with the Parish.
to update people on here about parking why don’t these so called new owners suggest parking in st. sabastian’s parking lot — for years and years that has been where all of the donovan’s crowd parked — so what is the problem
I hope the new owners hire waitresses with nice hineys.
Jacs & Danny,
Good Luck! Thank you my friends. Jacs, you are the man, I have always thought the word of you. God Bless the Jacobson family!
Your long lost friend,
Larry Gils
Billy O…good news Jimmy jacs and Dan connor have hired Danny Bauso as a sous chef….fact
i hope not the staff was a nasty and rude crew for sure — if you did not go there all of the time they would ignore you and that is a fact my friends on here
Are the new owners retaining the staff? Anyone know?
JIMMY JACS NEEDS TO REHIRE DANNY BAUSO AS THE MAITRE D TO BRING DONOVANS BACK TO ITS OLD GLORY DAYS!!!!!!
Wink Wink Rubbie @the real Rubin yippie guy
Glad to hear O’Donovan’s will carry on – many is the good night & Steak I had there with my friends for Birthdays/Anniversaries/Arrivals to the Us/Departures from the US/Any excuse for a Party/ back in 1987/88. Looking forward to going there again when I visit with my Husband & Family. X
have these two men ever been in the restaurant business before and if so where was their business — just curious
Again, please stop pretending you are me.There is only ONE Ruben, and I am the one responsible for the boost in the interest in these forums, My name deserves the proper respect
Joe..Are you calling me a Dog ?
Danny and Jimmy will restore Donovan’s to its natural beauty. Great food. Friendly staff and a real neighborhood environment. Dinovans is in good hands.
I will only go there if they have the Rubin sandwich
I want the real Rubin Woff Woff
I will only go there if the burgers are made of immigrants and the beer is blessed with my hate.
@Jimmy Clarke…..the bartender you remember was indeed named Victor. Victor Bennett. Worked in Donovan’s and other local taverns for decades. He was very well liked, and the “classic” bartender. Someone who can talk and listen. Sadly Victor passed away several years ago.
Glad to hear the news!! Linda, the Ormiston sisters will meet the Murphy sisters for a hamburger. Just let me know when you are going.
I can’t wait to get bombed there when the mets play the yankees. i always stop there on my way back to Mineola. heheheheheheheheheheh
Think I’ll stop in for a burger tonight!
hooray for the saving of Donovan’s !!!!!! The Murphy gals wil be visiting shortly !!!!!!
I am thrilled Donovan’s has been saved!!!!!!!! Coming back to Ny for a few month in January 9th & will definately ..go for a meal there with my other Woodside friends & sisters …………Beers on Me !!!!!!!!!! (O:
Great news! Glad to hear that Donovan’s will be staying open. Was saddened when it sounded like the place was closing! Had many good times there with family and friends! Remember getting sloshed there with my brother-in-law after a Jets/Falcons game at Shea Stadium. Great burgers, shepherds’ pie, swordfish, Guiness and a cozy fireplace. Good luck and much success!
Happy Days is right. Glad to see some Woodsiders have taken the steps to keep Donovan’s in Woodside.
…Just please get the food right, as it had gone down hill when the rumors started.
Good luck to Dan and James on their new venture ..
I will only go if they have organic beer and grass fed beef that has been blessed by a local priest.
one of my favourite bars when i was in new york in the 80s i think the barmans name was victor he was a great guy happy days
Woodside needs a reputable strip club. Far too many boys are lacking the proper initiation into man-hood.
Thank goodness. I was sure there would be another Chase Bank, Starbucks or glass and steel office building.