Current Date: 07 Jan, 2026
{{entry.title}}

JBJ Soul Kitchen: Bon Jovi's community restaurant

JBJ Soul Kitchen is a community restaurant by Jon Bon Jovi with no prices on the menu; customers donate to pay for their meals. If you are unable to donate you may do volunteer work in exchange for your family’s meal.

While Jon Bon Jovi is well-known for his musical career, very few people are aware of the good deeds he has done to improve the world. He established The Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation in 2006 with the goal of assisting local initiatives to end the cycle of homelessness and poverty. The launch of JBJ Soul Kitchen, a community restaurant where those in need can eat for free, is one of the foundation’s most well-known accomplishments.

JBJ Soul Kitchen Bon Jovis community restaurant 1
Image credits: jbjsoulkitchen

The first eatery debuted in the Red Bank region of New Jersey in October 2011. The second one began operations in 2016 close to Toms River, which was severely damaged by Hurricane Sandy in 2012.

JBJ Soul Kitchen Bon Jovis community restaurant 2
Image credits: jbjsoulkitchen

Both establishments strive to treat people who are hungry with dignity and respect. Customers with funds and those in need are both welcome. Although there are no prices listed on the menu, those who can afford to do so are urged to donate $20, and those who are unable to do so are urged to volunteer at the establishment.

JBJ Soul Kitchen Bon Jovis community restaurant 3
Image credits: jbjsoulkitchen
JBJ Soul Kitchen Bon Jovis community restaurant 4
Image credits: jbjsoulkitchen

Over 105,893 meals have already been provided by JBJ Soul Kitchen. The restaurant’s website states that 54% of those meals were purchased with donations and the remaining 46% were obtained through volunteer work.

JBJ Soul Kitchen Bon Jovis community restaurant 5
Image credits: jbjsoulkitchen
JBJ Soul Kitchen Bon Jovis community restaurant 6
Image credits: jbjsoulkitchen

Customers are not required to make a table reservation in advance. The restaurant operates on a first-come, first-served basis, but those in financial need are given preference.

JBJ Soul Kitchen Bon Jovis community restaurant 7
Image credits: jbjsoulkitchen
JBJ Soul Kitchen Bon Jovis community restaurant 8
Image credits: jbjsoulkitchen

Three courses on the restaurant’s menu are influenced by regional American cuisine. Food at JBJ Soul Kitchen is delicious and nutrient-dense because the restaurant’s garden grows its own organic produce.

JBJ Soul Kitchen Bon Jovis community restaurant 9
Image credits: jbjsoulkitchen

The eatery gave away free meals on January 21, 2019, to federal employees and their families who were impacted by the partial government shutdown.

Similar Stories
How 'Brad's Drink' Became Pepsi-Cola

How 'Brad's Drink' Became Pepsi-Cola

Pepsi was first introduced as “Brad’s Drink” in New Bern, North Carolina, United States, in 1893 by Caleb Bradham, who made it at his drugstore where the drink was sold. It was renamed Pepsi Cola in 1898, named after the digestive enzyme pepsin and kola nuts used in the recipe.

The world’s longest flight spent more than two months in the air

The world’s longest flight spent more than two months in the air

Roberts Timm and Jim Cook, two pilots, flew an aircraft for more than two months without landing in 1958. Matching the speed of a truck moving down the road to refuel. A mattress for sleeping, a small steel sink for personal hygiene, the removal of most interior fittings to reduce weight, and a basic autopilot were among the improvements.

A subway in Chongqing passes through a building (images)

A subway in Chongqing passes through a building (images)

A train has been constructed through an apartment complex in Chongqing, China. The 19-story residential structure is not only passed by the light rail passenger train, but it also serves as a transit stop. Apartment residents can simply get a ride from the sixth to eighth levels.

Water park in japan, ocean dome: Largest indoor water park in the world

Water park in japan, ocean dome: Largest indoor water park in the world

The Seagaia Ocean Dome, located in Miyazaki, Japan, was the biggest indoor waterpark in the world. An "Ocean" six times the size of an Olympic pool, filled with 13,500 tons of unsalted, chlorinated water kept heated at 28 degrees Celsius and recognized as the largest simulated pool by the Guinness Book of World Records, measures 12,000 square meters of the sandy beach made from 600 tons of stone.

Missing Masterpiece Discovered in the Background of ‘Stuart Little’

Missing Masterpiece Discovered in the Background of ‘Stuart Little’

In 2009, Gergely Barki, an art historian, was watching the film Stuart Little (1999) when he spotted an original long-lost painting used as a prop. Called Sleeping Lady with Black Vase, this painting was the work of Hungarian avant-garde painter Róbert Berény. The painting had been considered lost after World War II.

The accidentally discovery of Riace bronzes

The accidentally discovery of Riace bronzes

Stefano Mariottini was snorkeling off the coast of Monasterace near Riace in 1972 when he noticed a human hand sticking out of the sand and called the police, thinking it was a corpse. It was actually two statues of "Warriors from Riace" - 5th century BC Greek bronze statues.

A Pilot Survived 20 Minutes Outside A Flying Jet

A Pilot Survived 20 Minutes Outside A Flying Jet

In 1990, the captain of flight 5390 Timothy Lancaster got sucked out of his own plane when the window of the plane fell off. The crew held the captain’s leg for 30 minutes while the plane performed emergency landing. Everyone survived.