Robert L. Lucas

Robert Lee "Bob" Lucas was the son of Alice and Leon "Donkey" Lucas. His father achieved recognition as a boxer in the 1928 Olympics, competing in the light-heavyweight division. In 1943, Leon Lucas purchased a bar located at 1223 Haddon Avenue from Mrs. Ada Mathews, the widow of Charles E. A. Mathews, a long-time bar owner in Camden. Under Leon's ownership, the bar was renamed Donkey's Place and gained local and, over time, national fame for its delicious cheesesteak sandwiches.

Since the bar was a family enterprise, Bob Lucas began tending bar as soon as he turned 21. After his father's passing in 1971, he assumed responsibility for its operation and continued to work behind the bar until shortly before his own passing in July 2015. In addition to the original Donkey's Place in Camden, Bob Lucas established a second branch in Medford and briefly operated a third location in Ocean City, New Jersey.

Although Bob Lucas relocated to Medford, his deep affection for Camden never diminished. He was cherished in Camden as much as his renowned sandwiches were beloved by patrons.