Jon Bon Jovi’s “JBJ Soul Kitchen” to celebrate second anniversary this week
The JBJ Soul Kitchen property in Red Bank. (Image courtesy of JBJ Soul Kitchen)
At the JBJ Soul Foundation’s JBJ Soul Kitchen in Red Bank, the experience is all about community.
There are no prices on the menu, and you may be seated next to a complete stranger.
Patrons just pay the $10 minimum donation to dine on a three-course American Regional meal made with fresh organic ingredients within a renovated 1,100 square foot building that once contained an auto body shop.
Can’t afford your dinner? Volunteer at the restaurant for an hour, and your “check” is settled. Looking for job training? Volunteer, and you’ll get that, too. Want to contribute more than the $10 suggested donation that covers your meal? Anything extra defrays the cost of someone else’s meal.
“The community and social spirit should be experienced by all. Bring your children. Bring your friends. Go and tell others. Guaranteed you will enjoy and walk away enlightened,” a Yelp commenter wrote.
On its website, a “manifesto” defines the restaurant’s core values, with spurring soulfulness paramount. Positive vibes abound, as the restaurant believes that a “healthy meal can feed the soul” and people should “come together and share a good meal and the warmth of good company.”
“The main ingredient is love,” according to the manifesto. “All are treated with cheerfulness, kindness, and respect.”
Those core values will be on display this week as JBJ Soul Kitchen celebrates its second year.
The events, ranging from an art exhibition Wednesday evening to a choir performance during brunch on Sunday, are all free and open to the public.
“We hope that you will join us. All events are rain or shine and are free to the public. You do not need to dine at Soul Kitchen to participate. We will be open our normal hours during this celebration weekend!” a restaurant release states.
IF YOU GO
JBJ Soul Kitcken at located at 207 Monmouth Street in Red Bank.
Dining is not required to attend the anniversary events. Reservations are not needed. Guests are seated on a first come, first serve basis.
To view a sample menu, click here.
Want to volunteer? Click here.
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