At JBJ Soul Kitchen in New Jersey, no one leaves hungry. The unique restaurant concept, backed by Dorothea Bongiovi and her husband, rock icon Jon Bon Jovi, allows guests to enjoy a hearty meal whether or not they have money to pay. Diners can contribute through a suggested donation of $20 to $30 or by volunteering their time in the restaurant.
This approach makes every plate of food more than just nourishment—it becomes part of a larger mission. According to Dorothea, the goal is not charity but empowerment. People either give financially or work in exchange for their meals, ensuring dignity and choice remain at the heart of the experience.
More Than Just Food
Since opening its first doors in 2011, JBJ Soul Kitchen has grown into four New Jersey locations. These spaces aren’t just restaurants; they’re gathering places where meals are only part of the offering. Alongside food, staff help guests connect with housing programs, counseling, and even basics like identification cards.
Having experienced homelessness first-hand, Nicole Dorrity now guides others who face similar hardships. Her work embodies the broader purpose of Soul Kitchen: not only feeding guests, but helping them move toward stability and self-reliance.
Instagram | @jbjsoulkitchen | JBJ Soul Kitchen has grown into four New Jersey locations.
Protecting Dignity and Privacy
Respect for guests’ privacy is central to the restaurant’s philosophy. Dorothea Bongiovi stresses that no personal struggle will ever be turned into a spectacle. For those who volunteer their time in exchange for a meal, the exchange is handled with dignity and confidentiality.
Not everyone, however, has welcomed the model. Some local officials expressed worry when the restaurant set up a short pop-up program at a Toms River library, offering modest lunches such as soup and sandwiches. Jon Bon Jovi responded by pointing out that the effort was simply about feeding people in need.
High Praise for Food and Service
Though it has faced its share of critics, JBJ Soul Kitchen has been widely praised for both its food and welcoming environment. Two of its New Jersey locations currently hold top marks on TripAdvisor, and in 2023 the restaurant earned a spot on the platform’s “Best of the Best” list—placing it among the top 1% of restaurants nationwide.
That recognition stems not only from its mission, but also from the skill and dedication of the team in the kitchen. Classically trained chefs like Emily Yasi prepare meals with care and creativity. Yasi also notes that Jon and Dorothea remain hands-on. Whether it’s weeding outside or sweeping the walkways, their involvement extends well beyond the spotlight.
Volunteers Find Joy in Service
Instagram | @jbjsoulkitchen | JBJ first opened its doors in 2011.
For those who volunteer, the rewards often come in small but meaningful ways. Hugh Daly, who spends hours washing dishes, speaks with pride about his role. Even scrubbing pans stacked high feels worthwhile to him, because it gives him a sense of real purpose. That spirit runs through the restaurant, where teamwork and mutual respect shape the atmosphere.
Homecoming for a Rock Legend
For Jon Bon Jovi, Soul Kitchen is more than a project—it’s a way to circle back home. After decades on world stages, he’s chosen to invest his energy in giving back to the neighborhoods that raised him. When asked which song best captures the restaurant’s spirit, he chose “Who Says You Can’t Go Home”. The message is simple: no matter how far success takes someone, the greatest fulfillment often comes from serving the place you started.
JBJ Soul Kitchen shows that a restaurant can serve more than just meals. By pairing quality food with compassion, connection, and opportunity, it demonstrates how dining can change lives.
Every dish and every act of service reinforces that mission, proving that dignity and kindness deserve a permanent place at the table.
