Jon Bon Jovi is not only a multi-talented rock singer, but he is also one of the most famous philanthropists in America. However, he rarely mentions his charity work, although among many celebrities, he is the most famous for his own charity activities.
Currently, Jon Bon Jovi owns 2 large restaurants called Soul Kitchen, founded by the JBJ Foundation – a charity organization headed by himself, serving nutritious, delicious dishes for free for the poor and homeless to enjoy.
Up to now, both of his restaurants have served more than 104,800 meals to everyone.
“Everyone is welcome at our restaurant”
Jon Bon Jovi said that the first Soul Kitchen opened in October 2011, in the Red Bank area of New Jersey. And the second restaurant opened in 2016, near the Toms River area.
“We’ve always been passionate about making positive changes to address poverty and homelessness here,” Jon said while opening his second restaurant.
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“Everyone is welcome at our restaurant.” (Photo via Shoptech)
What’s special about Soul Kitchen is that there are no prices on the dishes, and diners can pay their bills or not. Those who can afford it are asked to donate $20 for a meal, and those who can’t afford it, even the homeless, are welcome to come and eat for free.
“There are no prices on our menu. So if you really need it, come and join us. And that also means that after you’re done eating, you can just carry tables, wash dishes, or work in our garden in exchange for a meal.”
The dishes are all priced, and diners can pay the bill or not. (Photo via 943thepoint)
According to the restaurant’s website, 51% of the meals they have served so far have been paid for by donations. And the remaining 49% have been supported by volunteer work from people who are financially strapped. That’s why one of the restaurant’s slogans is: “Everyone is welcome at our restaurant.”
You also don’t need to make a reservation to have a meal at Soul Kitchen, as diners here will be assigned to an empty table in order and share meals even with strangers. This makes people interact with each other more naturally and conveniently without being constrained by each person’s economic conditions.
3-course menu prepared from organic and nutritious ingredients
Soul Kitchen’s menu is also guaranteed to be carefully prepared from nutritious and organic ingredients from the restaurant’s own garden and farm owned by this non-profit organization.
It includes 3 main dishes inspired by local American cuisine such as: Appetizer, main course and dessert. At the same time, the menu will be changed every 10 days.
3 main courses inspired by local American cuisine: Appetizer, main course and dessert. (Photo via Bright Side)You can also refer to the restaurant’s main menu on the website and usually the appetizer will include soup or salad. Next is the main course cooked with white or red meat, or fish, in addition to other options such as vegetarian and gluten-free dishes. Finally, there will be dessert that changes constantly according to the season.
Many charity houses for the homeless
In addition to the free restaurants for the poor above, Jon’s JBJ organization also built many other charity houses in the city of Philadelphia for the homeless, including youth and veterans. The organization also funded the construction of a center to help teenage mothers and their babies have shelter, and also provided beds and medical care for the homeless to have a place to heal and rest.
Jon’s organization also creates more opportunities for the unemployed by offering a program that teaches them how to write effective resumes to send to employers, how to develop job interview skills, and even provides them with free financial, legal, and employment advice.
