Donkey's Place | |
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Restaurant information | |
Established | 1943 |
Owner(s) | Robert Lucas Jr. |
Previous owner(s) | Leon "Donkey" Lucas Robert "Bob" Lucas |
Food type | North American cuisine |
Dress code | Casual |
Street address | 1223 Haddon Ave |
City | Camden |
State | New Jersey |
Postal/ZIP Code | 08103 |
Country | United States |
Coordinates | 39°55′54″N75°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]