All are Welcome at Rock and Roll Star’s Restaurants

Scholastic Kid Reporter Mika Jones

Jon Bon Jovi is a music legend, known for selling over 120 million records worldwide and producing numerous top 10 hits. However, his true legacy may lie in his humanitarian efforts.

The Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation was created in 2006 in Philadelphia to help end hunger, poverty, and homelessness. It has since expanded its reach and has helped with housing projects in 12 states, many of which are for veterans and youth. 

It is also responsible for JBJ Soul Kitchens, a group of restaurants that uniquely addresses local food insecurity by enabling all guests to “dine with dignity.” Patrons are treated to a delicious chef-prepared three-course meal, whether they can afford it or not.  There is a suggested donation for their meal, and diners are encouraged to “pay it forward” to help cover someone else’s meal if they can. Guests can also join the team of volunteers pitching in to make it all possible. Whether you pay or not is completely anonymous. 

The first JBJ Soul Kitchen started as a community restaurant in Red Bank, New Jersey in 2011 by Dorothea Bongiovi, Jon Bon Jovi’s wife. Now there are four locations, all in Bon Jovi’s home state of New Jersey, including a second community restaurant in Toms River and two restaurants on college campuses – New Jersey City University and Rutgers University in Newark – highlighting that many students also face food insecurity. The restaurants collectively serve tens of thousands of meals annually, with well over half served to patrons in need.

Scholastic Kid Reporter Mika Jones with JBJ Soul Kitchen team members

When asked about future plans, Bongiovi says, “I would love to be out of business in 10 years!” But she cautions that it will take collective action to solve the issues of food insecurity.

 “Non-profits and faith-based missions are nice but we are not going to end hunger in America. It will take the will of the people, government, business, and communities working together,” she adds. 

I recently dined at the Red Bank location and was impressed by the excellent service, the delicious food, and the clean and welcoming atmosphere. 

On December 6th, a local New Jersey radio station hosted their Annual Mistletoe Rock Radiothon to benefit JBJ Soul Kitchen. “107.1 The Boss” fundraised on-air all day from several locations, including the restaurants. The event featured celebrity interviews, an online auction, and the chance to win prizes – including autographed merchandise. The event raised over $50,000 for the organization. If you live in the area, visit the restaurants and check out their website for details on how to volunteer and support a worthy cause.