Jon Bon Jovi Opens "Pay What You Can" Eatery

The Soul Kitchen in Red Bank, NJ serves up nutritious meals for all and when the check comes, you can pay in cash, or volunteer hours.

Inspired by the old adage, “teach a man to fish,” diners in need who come to the JBJ Soul Foundation Soul Kitchen are empowered – they have earned a seat at the table for themselves and their families through volunteer hours at the Kitchen or other local organizations. They are served nutritious culinary dishes by the wait-staff in a lovely restaurant atmosphere with the dignity of having earned their meal. An those patrons who can afford to dine anywhere are rewarded with not only a delicious meal but with the knowledge that by dining out and leaving the suggested donation, they’ve given back to their community.

The eatery began as a model program in 2009 serving meals from two different locations. The response was so positive, that an old 1,100 square foot auto-body shop was converted into a permanent location, that opened officially, yesterday (10/19)

“At a time when 1 in 5 households are living at or below the poverty level, and at a time when 1 out of 6 Americans are food insecure, this is a restaurant whose time has come. This is a place based on and built on community – by and for the community,” said Jon Bon Jovi today.

In addition to the Soul Kitchen’s own organic gardens, natural food is being provided by Whole Foods Market Middletown, in partnership with their vendors, many of whom are from New Jersey and the surrounding areas.

By adopting the community kitchen concept, the JBJ Soul Foundation has expanded its efforts - from affordable housing to hunger - as it celebrates its fifth anniversary as a non-profit organization.

HOURS OF OPERATION:
The JBJ Soul Kitchen is currently open from 5-7 Thursday, Friday and Saturday.