“This is not a soup kitchen,” he emphasizes. “You can come here with the dignity of linens and silver, and you’re served a healthy, nutritious meal. This is not burgers and fries.
“There’s no prices on our menu, so if you want to come and you want to make a difference, leave a $20 in the envelope on the table. If you can’t afford to eat, you can bus tables, you can wait tables, you can work in the kitchen as a dishwasher or sous chef,” he said. “If you say to me, ‘I’m not a people person,’ I say, ‘That’s not a problem. We’ll take you back to Lunch Break to volunteer with those people. If you don’t want to volunteer with that, we’ll take you to the FoodBank.”
After volunteering at one of those places, a person will be given a certificate good for a meal at The Soul Kitchen.
“If you come in and say, ‘I’m hungry,’ we’ll feed you,” Bon Jovi said. “But we’re going to need you to do something. It’s very important to what we’re trying to achieve.”
That includes making people feel part of a larger community that cares about them, while still expecting them to contribute to society at large.
“This is not an entitlement thing,” Bon Jovi said. “This is about empowering people because you have to earn that gift certificate.”
He and others at the restaurant want those who can afford to dine out to patronize the restaurant as well and pay what they consider market prices, or even a bit more than that, to help sustain The Soul Kitchen as a true community resource.
Bon Jovi said he is currently writing songs for his band’s next album, due out in 2013, along with another typically massive Bon Jovi tour. He said many of the songs are inspired by the current economic downturn and the struggles of everyday people to make ends meet without losing hope.
In the meantime, he and his wife plan to stay active in the restaurant, where he estimates he has worked at least once a week in recent months. The Soul Kitchen is open for dinner Thursday through Saturday, and offers Sunday brunch.
How important is rolling up his sleeves and working in the restaurant to him?
“Last Friday, I was at the White House, serving on the Council for Community Solutions, got on a train, changed in the bathroom and got here in time to wash dishes Friday night,” he said. “I’m the dishwasher, for real. I can’t cook a lick.”
Amazingconcept by a very generous celebrity. More celebrities should take note are you listening KimKardashisn?
I think we lost the battle against Bon Jovi. But we still have most of Hollywood.
I get so many sample stuff for free its awesome. Actually it is not difficult to find them just search online for “Get Official Samples” It is the best way!
Jon Bon Jovi has been, in many ways, shapes and forms, an inspiration for three decades. Every time I get to thinking that I could not possibly love him more he blows me away again! I am planning a trip to New Jersey next summer and I will be visiting this place.
God BLESS him and Dorothea! Heaven is missing two angels….but I hope Heaven waits for them for a very very very long time!
Nice to see a celebrity giving back. Maybe Jon and Dorothea will be an inspiration to other celebrities and their families.
It takes only one to lead for change and a whole communtiy to follow for the better good of mankind.
This is how it should be. God gives someone a gift. If that gift enables the person to gain financially then the person should give back to his/her brothers & sisters of the world. We are all connected. We need to take a look at our fellow man and say what can I do to make his burden lighter. You can go to church til the cows come home…you must BECOME the church. Live everyday with kindness, compassion and love for one another. Be an example, as Jon Bon Jovi..be the church. <3
Jon you “ROCK”. I have goosebumps reading this… he never ceases to amaze me!!!!
Just another reason to love this man!
He’s the best thing to come out of New Jersey since…well, ever. Except for Chris Christie jokes, those are pretty good too.
Wow, I’m amazed by what he and his wife are doing in that NJ neighborhood. Keep up the good work you two!
I’ve been on the Bon Jovi bandwagon since day 1 and have always been floored by the good he and Dorothea have done. They also raise honeybees, because there is a world shortage of them and crops die without bees to pollinate them. Nay-sayers call that dodging taxes by claiming agriculture write offs, but Jon has never been that kind of a guy. His band gives away far too much money to charities to ever be called tax dodgers. BON JOVI FOREVER!
Let’s try this with his concerts…instead of $300 floor seats
Seriously dude
Join the fan club. The first 30 rows of seats at a Bon Jovi concert are always fan club seats. I’ve been to their concerts from Vancouver to London, Chicago, MPL/St.Paul, NYC etc and have never spent more than $150 for a ticket. Front row seats at Gateshead and the old Wembley. Besides, the prices allow the band to give back to so many. A little perspective here, please.
His concert is part of his job—and he’s welcome to put whatever price he wants on those tickets. And if you don’t like it—don’t pay to go. The fact that this restaurant is a direct result of his charitable nature should shame you and your stupid remarks.
Very cool concept – good for them!
Fantastic idea. Will definitely stop by. We need to support this.
I love JBJ! Good for him and Dorthea!