| Donkey's Place | |
| Previous-Owner: | Leon "Donkey" Lucas Robert "Bob" Lucas |
| Current-Owner: | Robert Lucas Jr. |
| Food-Type: | North American cuisine |
| Dress-Code: | Casual |
| Street-Address: | 1223 Haddon Ave |
| City: | Camden |
| State: | New Jersey |
| Zip: | 08103 |
| Country: | United States |
| Coordinates: | 39.9315°N -75.1023°W |
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 . 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]