Bon Jovi Opened 2 Restaurants That Allow People In Need To Eat Free Of Charge
While Jon Bon Jovi is very well known for his career in music, very few are familiar with the kind things he has done to make our world a better place. In 2006, he founded The Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation which aims to support community efforts to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness. One of the most prominent deeds of the foundation is the opening of JBJ Soul Kitchen, the community restaurant where people in need are not required to pay for their meals.
More info: Instagram | jbjsoulkitchen.org | jonbonjovisoulfoundation.org
Image credits: jbjsoulkitchen
The first restaurant was opened in October 2011, in the Red Bank area, New Jersey. The second one opened its doors in 2016 near Toms River, an area that was greatly affected by Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
Image credits: jbjsoulkitchen
Both restaurants aim to fight food insecurity in a dignifying way without judgment. Both paying and in-need customers are welcome. There are no prices on the menu, but those who can afford a meal are encouraged to donate $20, and those who can’t offer any payment are encouraged to volunteer at the restaurant.
Image credits: jbjsoulkitchen
Image credits: jbjsoulkitchen
JBJ Soul Kitchen has already served over 105,893 meals. According to the restaurant’s website, 54% of those meals were paid for with donations and the rest 46% were earned by volunteering.
Image credits: jbjsoulkitchen
Image credits: jbjsoulkitchen
Patrons are not required to reserve a table in advance. The restaurant works under the first-come-first-served principle, however, people who are struggling financially are given priority.
Image credits: jbjsoulkitchen
Image credits: jbjsoulkitchen
The restaurant menu consists of 3 courses inspired by local American cuisine. JBJ Soul Kitchen makes sure that their meals are both delicious and nutritious so their produce is organically grown in the restaurant’s garden.
Image credits: jbjsoulkitchen
On January 21, 2019, the restaurant offered free meals to government workers and family members who were affected by the federal government shutdown.
Here’s how people reacted
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i Don't see any of the Karsashian doing that! would be easy just to contact Jon and say: hey… i have 500 million to spend on your restaurant. would you be able to manage it?
Years ago the whole band was on Oprah, they had their newer album, they told the record company no video for the single, wanted the cost donated to homes for humanity, then took the summer off and whole band built houses with the charity. Then after a break the band was there but Jon was missing, Oprah was very confused, then he runs in with an envelope apologising as it was meant to come before the show started, Oprah still confused. He passes it to her says the whole band chipped in to donate to her Angel Network. She is very happy thanks them, then opens it and goes silent from shock...One Million Dollars! She said no one had ever donated even close to that she was so moved, I was blubbering. They then went together and donated school equipment to a school and bags for the students full of school supplies, best episode ever. Bon Jovi the Band and Jon are amazing.
Such an amazing story and how every famous celebrity should “give back”, for if it wasn't for 95% of the people that Jon has helped, those celebs would NOT have the things they do.
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What a great guy! You don't hear about guys like David Lee Roth doing stuff like this! There's a good reason Bon Jovi outshone Van Halen. Just a quality person all around.
I would love to purchase one of those shirts if the money would go towards running the restaurants.
Some people have big hearts and some haven't learned. We need to be appreciative of the generous and not castigate the rest. Jon Bon Jovi is a blessing.
What a beautiful man both on the inside and the outside. He makes great music, he has a great family and he is a great human being! Love ya Jon. Always have. Always will!!!!!!
Another celebrity that uses his fame in the best way possible. Not such a fan of his music, but a fan of his kindness.
all those needy people won't be livin on a prayer, but theyll be linin on good food
I love Bon jovi anyway, and I am not surprised he has done such an amazing thing this guy has a heart of gold...
Soup kitchen? Look at the quality of food being prepared. A lot of care is being taken with each dish. Cynical much?
Load More Replies... i Don't see any of the Karsashian doing that! would be easy just to contact Jon and say: hey… i have 500 million to spend on your restaurant. would you be able to manage it?
Years ago the whole band was on Oprah, they had their newer album, they told the record company no video for the single, wanted the cost donated to homes for humanity, then took the summer off and whole band built houses with the charity. Then after a break the band was there but Jon was missing, Oprah was very confused, then he runs in with an envelope apologising as it was meant to come before the show started, Oprah still confused. He passes it to her says the whole band chipped in to donate to her Angel Network. She is very happy thanks them, then opens it and goes silent from shock...One Million Dollars! She said no one had ever donated even close to that she was so moved, I was blubbering. They then went together and donated school equipment to a school and bags for the students full of school supplies, best episode ever. Bon Jovi the Band and Jon are amazing.
Such an amazing story and how every famous celebrity should “give back”, for if it wasn't for 95% of the people that Jon has helped, those celebs would NOT have the things they do.
Load More Replies... What a great guy! You don't hear about guys like David Lee Roth doing stuff like this! There's a good reason Bon Jovi outshone Van Halen. Just a quality person all around.
I would love to purchase one of those shirts if the money would go towards running the restaurants.
Some people have big hearts and some haven't learned. We need to be appreciative of the generous and not castigate the rest. Jon Bon Jovi is a blessing.
What a beautiful man both on the inside and the outside. He makes great music, he has a great family and he is a great human being! Love ya Jon. Always have. Always will!!!!!!
Another celebrity that uses his fame in the best way possible. Not such a fan of his music, but a fan of his kindness.
all those needy people won't be livin on a prayer, but theyll be linin on good food
I love Bon jovi anyway, and I am not surprised he has done such an amazing thing this guy has a heart of gold...
Soup kitchen? Look at the quality of food being prepared. A lot of care is being taken with each dish. Cynical much?
Load More Replies... 
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