Donkey's Place
Donkey's Place is a restaurant founded in 1943 in Parkside, Camden, New Jersey, which sells various sandwiches. The deli is known for its hoagies and cheesesteaks.[1]
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 | 39.931529°N 75.102333°W |
Website | www |
History
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 a kaiser roll instead of a hoagie roll. 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 Lucus Jr.[5]
During the COVID-19 pandemic Donkey's used takeout and curbside only pick up. Lucas Jr. said all employees were following social distancing orders and used masks.[6]
References
- Riordan, Kevin (18 January 2018). "In Camden for 75 years, Donkey's Place serves cheesesteaks - and so much more". Inquirer.com. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
- Szkaradnik, Carly (2015-05-28). "Anthony Bourdain Says the Best Cheesesteak 'Might Well' Be From Jersey". Eater Philly. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
- Peter Genovese (2019-01-17). "Best Philly cheesesteak is in NJ, Bourdain says". NJ. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
- Walsh, Jim (2015-08-04). "Camden cheesesteak vendor dies at 75". Courier-Post. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
- Szkaradnik, Carly (2015-08-04). "Bob Lucas, Owner of Donkey's Place in Camden, Has Died". Eater Philly. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
- Paolino, Tammy and Whittaker, Celeste (2020-06-29). "South Jersey restaurants gear up to reopen for indoor dining on July 2". Courier-Post. Retrieved 26 July 2020.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)