Jon Bon Jovi is the lead singer of American rock band Bon Jovi formed in 1983 in Sayreville, New Jersey. Besides music, Jon Bon Jovi is also passionate in helping the less fortunate groups by providing donations and other forms of assistance.
His namesake organization, the Jon Bon Jovi Foundation is actively involved in a myriad of programs especially for troubled teenagers, single moms and the less fortunate with their mission “to break the cycle of hunger, poverty and homelessness through developing partnerships, creating programs and providing grant funding to support innovative community benefit organizations.”
In addition to that, Jon Bon Jovi has two restaurants whose patrons are primarily those who can’t afford to stretch their bucks for even basic needs like food.
Aptly named Soul Kitchen, the restaurant is supported partially with donations made forward by willing souls. The food prepared and served the restaurant are charge-free, however those who want to pay for their food are requested make a $20 donation.
Inside the restaurant, you will be sharing table with strangers
For those who aren’t able to pay for their meal, they can compensate for it by volunteering in the kitchen. Till this date, Soul Kitchen has dished out over 105,000 meals.
The restaurant was opened 8 year sago in the Red Bank area of New Jersey, a place the rockstar hold dearest to his heart. He was born there, and has since openly claimed his admiration for the state.
He runs the business with Dorothea, who shared with CBS News that “people are coming in, they’re choosing from a menu. They sit at a beautiful table, we sit people together communally. And everyone has the same experience regardless of how they got there.”
The menu comprises a standard 3-course meal that alternates every 10 days. Nothing fancy, just regular comforting American dishes like soup or salads for appetizers, meat, fish or vegetarian options for entree and seasonal desserts.
Ingredients are sourced from a local farm and the restaurant’s very own garden of organic produce. The motto of the establishment is “All are welcome at our table.”
Though Jon Bon Jovi is not much of a chef himself, he prides in cleaning up dishes. “I’m not afraid of gettin’ dirty. See, I’m in there. I’m all soaped up and beyond dirty in the kitchen,” he shared.
Soul Kitchen serves as a place where people from all walks of life, regardless of their financial, social and economical status enjoy the same meal in a shared environment.
