JBJ Soul Kitchen Provides Meals, Community, and Compassion Across New Jersey

Jon Bon Jovi’s JBJ Soul Foundation continues to make an impact across New Jersey with its network of community restaurants, offering more than just meals—they provide dignity, connection, and support to anyone in need. Amid recent challenges, including a federal government shutdown, JBJ Soul Kitchen has stepped up to serve furloughed federal employees while maintaining its ongoing mission to feed the hungry and foster community.

A Unique Pay-It-Forward Model
Founded by rock musician Jon Bon Jovi and his wife, Dorothea Bongiovi, JBJ Soul Kitchen operates on an innovative “pay-it-forward” approach. Diners can contribute what they can afford, whether it’s a monetary donation or volunteer time. For those unable to pay, the option to volunteer an hour in the kitchen or garden in exchange for a meal ensures that every guest leaves feeling valued. Suggested donations support three-course meals that highlight fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients, many coming from the restaurants’ own organic gardens or nearby farms.

The focus extends beyond food. Guests experience a welcoming environment designed to build community across socioeconomic lines. The kitchen collaborates with local organizations to connect visitors with critical resources, including job training, housing support, and nutritional education.

Locations Serving New Jersey Communities
JBJ Soul Kitchen has grown steadily since the original Red Bank location opened in 2011. Today, the foundation operates five sites across the state:

• Red Bank: The original restaurant continues to be a hub for community dining and volunteer opportunities.

• Toms River: Initially a pop-up, this location at the B.E.A.T. Center now serves as a permanent site, providing meals and resources to residents in Ocean County.

• Rutgers University–Newark: Addressing student food insecurity, this campus location offers healthy meals and volunteer opportunities.

• New Jersey City University (NJCU): Serving students and the surrounding community, the NJCU café continues to promote access to nutritious meals.

• Ocean County Library, Toms River: A pop-up café originally scheduled to close earlier in 2025 has been extended due to its positive reception, continuing to offer meals and resources to library visitors.

Recent Highlights and Challenges
In October 2025, amid a federal government shutdown, JBJ Soul Kitchen provided free three-course meals to furloughed federal workers, demonstrating its responsiveness to urgent community needs. The Ocean County Library pop-up’s extended run has further cemented its role as a vital community resource, welcoming diverse groups of guests.

Earlier in the year, the Toms River location faced criticism from local officials who expressed concern about increased visibility of homeless individuals. Supporters of the JBJ Soul Foundation emphasized that the mission remains rooted in dignity and inclusivity, ensuring that all guests are treated with respect and compassion.

A Commitment to Community and Nourishment
JBJ Soul Kitchen represents more than a dining experience—it’s a model of social entrepreneurship that blends culinary excellence, community service, and public engagement. With healthy, locally sourced meals, a pay-it-forward system, and a commitment to social support, the foundation’s restaurants continue to be a bright example of how food can unite communities, foster empathy, and provide tangible assistance to those in need.

Visitors looking to participate or volunteer can find more information on menus, locations, and community initiatives on the JBJ Soul Foundation’s website or by visiting one of the New Jersey locations.

For more details on other socially conscious dining experiences and local restaurants, explore Explore New Jersey Restaurants.