October 20th, 2011
04:20 PM ET
Jon Bon Jovi opens community kitchenForget about money at Jon Bon Jovi's new restaurant. That's because there are no prices on the menu of the JBJ Soul Kitchen in Red Bank, New Jersey. Visitors there will be able to pay for their meals via volunteer hours. The singer announced the opening of the community kitchen, which is a program offered through his Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, on Wednesday. The project to feed the hungry will be supported by cash payments from customers who are able to pay a suggested donation, or more if they so choose.
“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," Bon Jovi said Wednesday at the kitchen's opening. "This is a place based on and built on community – by and for the community.” Bon Jovi and his wife are volunteering in the kitchen, and the food is provided by both the Soul Kitchen’s organic gardens and an area Whole Foods Market. |
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Wow...that is such an awesome idea. Congrats & good luck Jon!!
Has the writer been living under a rock this has been though of long ago and happening in Canada and the US for a long time
Beautiful! I love this because he will help so many at the same time reminding people it's important to contribute in any way you can. I have been turned off to celebrity charity lately. Many of them write huge checks but feel the need to preach and point fingers. Look what I'm doing what are you doing. It's insulting because many people do contribute to charity in a time when money is tight. This is a very good and productive idea, I would really love to support and donate to. Keep the ideas coming.
There been one of these in Portland Oregon for years, Sisters of the Road Cafe. It is a great idea. Good for him for serving his community.
GREAT idea Jon! You ROCK man!
II can't make it to New Jersey, but how about putting together a compilation CD and letting the proceeds go to helping the needy?
Let ROCK lead the way!
Panera's Bread (Bread Company) does the same thing at some of its locations. This is a large corporation doing this. Hooray for people who care.
For years Jon Bon Jovi and the members of his band have undertaken humanitarian actions. They are excellent examples of people who realize that they have reaped success and want to assist those persons who need help. Most of their actions do not make the news, which make them heros in my book. Congratulations gentlemen!
There are so many things he could have chosen to do with his life, when money is no concern. Yet he stands out as a star who has stayed married, has a wonderful family, and gives back to the community and the country over and over again. If 10% of the stars behaved like Jon Bon Jovi did, this country would be a different place. Love you..love your music..thank you for being bigger than life, what a great role model. Step up other stars, JBJ is showing you up big time!
his humanitarianism is much better than his music
A true icon of America, and just as beautiful inside as he is on the outside.
HELPING OTHERS IS PERHAPS THE MOST FULFILLING GESTURE A PERSON CAN MAKE....GOOD ON YOU....
CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU AND YOUR WIFE ON MAKING SUCH A WONDERFUL IDEA REALITY....IT WILL HELP MANY PEOPLE IN THE AREA...
what a great humanitarian project that should be repeated throughout the US. kudos to Bon Jovi and his wife!
I think I am in love! A rich man with a huge heart.
You are just the most amazing person! To come up with this idea is genius! I love what you've taken and made of this beautiful place to break bread, with family & friends. Your music has inspired many and this just tops it all. Come back to Iowa I'll see you & Richie and the boys every time! Kudos to you and you wife on this new exciting adventure. I hope many more will follow in your footsteps.
A Great Idea, I hope this concept spreads through the country and the world and it makes everyone part of their own communities!! Way to Go JBJ!!! Spread the Good Word to All!!
hello my name is Tanya
In my community we are very impressed with the kitchen that you have just opened and it's truly great>. we had a meeting tonight and i was wondering if you could give us any advice on what we will need to be able to do something similar to your program i am writing you from North York Ontario Canada : since the early April we hold a free fresh fruits and veggie market for the Flemingdon Park area it to raise awearness on food staintabiliy and food access If you could get back to me or please CNN could you forward this to Mr Jon Bon Jovi so i could ask these questions i think it could help us thanks a bunch and when we have our SHOP program check it out on my facebook there will be pictuers up after i get home thank you very much from someone who's trying to make a different too Tanyalynn
From a lady's point of view, I think she is flirting with you..lol. @Deja, I have to say I am getting a bit jealous. Must be another lady on here that like bad boys..lol. You know he like big cans. Don't get jealous girl when he talks about molding those melons..lmao
I will take a 12 pack of doughnuts to go.
That's a great idea. It's nice of him to think of others in need.
I knew there was a brain under all that hair.
... and he's got a good heart under that hairy chest too!!! 😉
Bon Jovi is one of those guys you only hear good things about. Keep up the good work!
This is one of the best ideas to come up in a long time to adress the needs of the communities right now! These restaurants are starting to gain ground and kudos to JBJ for helping take care of his!
I always liked Jon Bon Jovi. Now, I like him even more! I wish more people with money & influence would help their fellow man out. Think of the good that the rich could do with the trillion dollars that they are just sitting on!
those who sit on trillion dollars are the ones who brought these people to misery...
Right On Jon ! Fantastic stuff!!
Jon Bon Jovi..Dude you are the man!!!
Wow. This is a really good idea!! Why didn't someone else think of it before? Props to Bon Jovi.
Someone has! There are several of these restaurants around the country. I'm glad he's jumping in and opening another one.
They did think of it before. http://www.portlandtribune.com/news/story.php?story_id=131663856972432200 Panera is doing this in multiple places. That doesn't make Bon Jovi any less cool for doing it though.
Several reasturants been doing this in Denver for quite a while.
Cheers and good will to Jon Bon Jovi – you are truly a good samaritan.
HOOOORAAAAY !
Our friend portalpunk is firsty !
punk says it all, I'm second-y