Inside Bon Jovi’s Community Restaurants to Serve Food to The Hungry and Homeless

Part 1 of 2

Many celebrities use their wealth and resources to give back to local communities.

For instance, Jon Bon Jovi’s community restaurant offers “a delicious, locally sourced meal in a warm and welcoming setting while meeting our neighbors,” according to the JBJ website. However, it’s so much more. The restaurant offers payment alternatives for those struggling to make ends meet and has grown into several locations.

Bon Jovi’s Community Restaurant

Jon Bon Jovi, perhaps best known for his musical talents and acting, offers something else, something heartwarming to the world. John Francis Bongiovi Jr. was born on March 2, 1962, in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. He went on to release more than 15 albums and 70 music videos, along with trying his hand at acting. While his career is impressive, his contributions to society are also noteworthy. Bon Jovi’s community restaurant has grown since its early days and has transformed into something much bigger.

The Soul Foundation

Bon Jovi’s community restaurant was opened in 2011 and is part of the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation. The foundation was established in 2006 and has since partnered with several foundations and outreach programs. Some partnerships include Habitat for Humanity, Hamptons Community Outreach, and Mission Accomplished.

Eating at Bon Jovi’s Community Restaurant

The first location of Bon Jovi’s community restaurant is in Redbank, New Jersey and provides meals for paying and non-paying customers. Subsequently, non-paying customers can make a donation or volunteer some time to cover the cost of their meal.

Bon Jovi’s Community Restaurant Serves 3-Course-Meals

Bon Jovi’s community restaurant “serves a 3-course meal based on American Regional cuisine,” according to the restaurant’s webpage. The dishes are made with natural and locally sourced ingredients and the menu changes bi-weekly. There are no reservations required. Rather, seating is first come, first served and those in need take priority.

Supporting the Mission

Bon Jovi’s wife, Dorothea Hurley, is his high school sweetheart and shares his passion and vision, also taking part in the foundation’s contributions. “Hunger doesn’t look like what your mind’s eye might imagine. It’s the people at your church. It’s the kids that go to school with your kids. And I think that was eye-opening for a lot of the community here,” Hurley said. “However, by stigmatizing homelessness and poverty, we make it harder for those who are in need of resources to actually gain access to them.”

Students in Need

In 2020, Bon Jovi’s community restaurant opened its third location at Rutgers University. The University’s website estimates that over 75% of the 36,000 undergraduate students receive financial aid. Therefore, many are unable to afford healthy and nutritious meals. “What we realize is that there were kids in colleges that were hungry. We all think it’s a rite of passage to study hard and eat ramen noodles,” Bon Jovi explained, questioning, “How about if it’s the only thing you can afford?”