The site of Donovans was one of three original bathing houses built in 1920 on the St Kilda foreshore. The main purpose of the bathing houses was to provide separate facilities for men and women visiting the beach. Interestingly, the bathing houses were not open to the public on Sundays, now the most popular day for a stroll, swim or lunch while visiting St Kilda beach. Sixty years on, the rarely used changing rooms became run down so the local council decided to put the building up for tender as a restaurant, an innovative concept at the time. The refurbished bathing house was reopened in 1986 and operated as Jean Jacques by the Sea. In 1995, Jean Jacques offered the business for sale and Kevin and Gail Donovan were lucky enough to purchase it. Two years later, Gail and Kevin, along with partners Jeannie Donovan Fisher and Dick Fisher, were ready to transform their bathing house into the unique Donovans. With extensive renovations and a total makeover, Donovans expressed an original and unique concept in stylish, comfortable eating by the sea.