Donkey’s Place has served some of the best cheesesteaks in the U.S. since opening in Camden in 1943. Their third location, Donkey’s Place Downtown, in Mount Holly, opened up earlier this week with their famous cheesesteaks to be available at a fourth location.
“We’re looking to go a little south,” Donkey’s Place owner Rob Lucas Jr. told What Now Philadelphia. “We might go a little further into South Jersey or Philly. We have a few places [being considered] right now, but we haven’t pulled a trigger yet.”
Lucas Jr. told Burlington County Times that he is looking for a takeout window location where customers can walk up and order their cheesesteaks.
“Order at one window, watch us cook in the next, and then pick up the next window down. That’s what I’m looking for,” Lucas Jr. said.
Donkey’s Place, which also has Donkey’s Place Too in Medford, was founded by Olympic heavyweight boxer Leon “Donkey” Lucas, whose nickname comes from the force of his punch which was likened to a donkey’s kick. Donkey’s Place became famous for its twist on Philadelphia cheesesteaks, serving them on poppyseed rolls with American cheese, hot peppers, and grilled onions. Lucas passed away in 1971 and left the restaurant to his son Robert “Bob” Lucas. Bob Lucas passed away in 2015, and left the business to his children.
Late chef and “Parts Unknown” host Anthony Bourdain lauded Donkey’s Jersey cheesesteaks saying, “The best cheesesteak in the area might well come from New Jersey.”
