Just about two hours from NYC you’ll find Jon Bon Jovi’s restaurant, JBJ Soul Kitchen, but it’s unlike your typical restaurant–here, the restaurant runs on generosity, not price tags. That’s to say it’s implemented a “pay-what-you-can” model, and the menu has no fixed prices.
JBJ Soul Kitchen is a non-profit Community Restaurant established by the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation back in October 2011. According to its website, a Community Restaurant is “a place where both individuals and families can come to enjoy a delicious, locally sourced meal in a warm and welcoming setting while meeting our neighbors.” Here, they’re serving up meals to those in need.
How the restaurant’s pay-what-you-can model works is that diners that are unable to pay can enjoy a warm meal and learn about volunteering opportunities at JBJ Soul Kitchen. Those that can pay are asked to donate based on their ability and also pay it forward if possible to cover the cost of those who are unable to pay for their meals and have instead volunteered.
The restaurant focuses on serving healthy, organic, and vegetarian meals. The 3-course meal begins with the option of a soup or salad before opening up to the diner’s choice of entrée, such as a fish, meat, or vegetarian selection. The meal is then finished with a freshly made dessert or choice of fruit. The menu rotates on a bi-weekly basis, though example dishes include Peri Peri Chicken, Soul Seasoned Beef Birria Bowl, Garlic Cajun Cod, and Sweet and Spicy Tofu.
The purpose behind JBJ Soul Kitchen is to create an inclusive space where everyone, regardless of financial status, can enjoy a nutritious meal and feel supported. Since opening, the restaurant has served 217,348 meals–59% of which were earned via volunteering and 41% paid with donations. And if you’re looking to help out without having to make the trek to Jersey, you can also donate right online!
Learn more about the restaurant on their website.
📍 Red Bank – 207 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ
📍 Toms River – 1769 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, NJ