Donkey's Place
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Robert "Bob" Lucas
| Donkey's Place | |
|---|---|
 | |
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| Restaurant information | |
| Established | 1943 |
| Owner | Robert Lucas Jr. |
| Previous owner(s) | Leon "Donkey" Lucas Robert "Bob" Lucas |
| Food type | North American cuisine |
| Dress code | Casual |
| Location | 1223 Haddon Ave, Camden, New Jersey, 08103, United States |
| Coordinates | 39°55′54″N 75°06′08″W / 39.931529°N 75.102333°W |
| Website | www |
Donkey's Place is a restaurant and bar founded in 1943 in the Parkside neighborhood of Camden, New Jersey, which sells various sandwiches. The deli is known for its hoagies and cheesesteaks.[1]
Chick's was founded in 1943 at 1223 Haddon Avenue in Camden by Leon "Donkey" Lucas and his wife. The restaurant has remained in the same location since its establishment. Leon, a former boxer, received the nickname "Donkey" due to his punch being compared to the kick of a mule. Donkey's is known to serve its cheesesteaks on large kaiser rolls instead of long hoagie rolls, and to use white American cheese exclusively rather than giving customers a choice of American, provolone, or Cheez Whiz. Leon died in 1971, ownership of the restaurant passed to his son, Robert A. "Bob" Lucas.[1][2]
In 2015, Donkey's Place was featured on CNN's Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown. Bourdain said Donkey's Place had his favorite cheesesteak and considered it better than cheesesteaks from Philadelphia.[3] Bob died of lung cancer on July 31, 2015. Camden County Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli, said in a statement he "will always be remembered" and "Donkey’s Place is truly an institution in Camden and is beloved by generations of residents".[4] Ownership was passed to his son, Robert Lucas Jr.[5]
