Photo: Frazer Harrison / Getty Images
If you've ever listened to the lyrics of Bon Jovi's 1986 signature anthem, "Livin' on a Prayer," you know Jon Bon Jovi sympathizes with those down on their luck. (Remember? Poor Tommy used to work on the docks, but union's been on strike...).
Now the singer, already well-known for his philanthropic works through his non-profit Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, plans to open a community restaurant in Red Bank, New Jersey. Soul Kitchen, which is slated to open this spring, isn't just any restaurant, though. The eatery will serve low-cost or no-cost meals to diners and ask they they volunteer at the restaurant in return. (If this model sounds familiar, it's because a similar restaurant exists in Denver.)
It's a feel-good model that works for everyone. And if the food's good, it might just start a trend.

The List #0147: Escape a Car Underwater
Visit the Maldive Islands Before It's Too Late
H&M's Plus-Size Model Jennie Runk Says She Chose To Gain Weight
Okla. Sheriff's Deputy Finds Dog Guarding Body Buried Under Destroyed Home
Reptiles Make Home in UK Man's Cable Box
Springtime Budget-Busters -- Savings Experiment
Is This Woman Too Pretty To Work?
Mariah Carey Suffers Wardrobe Malfunction on Good Morning America
Parents Face Tough Choice When Tornadoes Bear Down
The Story Behind Hairspray














4-25-2011 @9:28PM ED said... It's a nice concept and it's close to his home. But Red Bank and its neighbor towns have a generally higher to high income base compared to most of the state. So given the fact of " low-cost or no-cost meals" and depending on the decor Jon could be doing a great service to those people who visit the local diner or fast food chain. Or he could really rake it in.
Reply
4-26-2011 @5:18AM Al Schrader said... This is a nice gesture, but you have to understand what a "restaurant" is. It's a luxury for people with money. It's not for feeding homeless people. Restaurants cook & prepare the food, serve it with servers, clean it up with bus people, wash the dishes with dishwashers, etc (a lot of work).. All of this is done so that people with money can come there & sit. It's a terrific thing, but not for people with money issues. A food bank is much better. It took me years to figure this out: Homeless people would garner five dollars, but instead of buying a loaf of bread, a jar of peanut butter, etc. so they would have food for several days, they go right to the closest restaurant and buy one sandwich for $4.59 Why ? It's simple. They would have to work making the PBJ sandwiches. Anytime I ever helped these people it went bad. If you give them money, they buy booze & cigarettes.
4-25-2011 @10:19PM Phil said... There is a restaurant in Highland Park NJ run by Elijah's Promise soup kitchen that is run on the same premise. I've been meaning to check it out my self. I know someone who eats and volunteers there. You can also pay the posted price if you can afford to. It's a great idea.
Reply
4-25-2011 @10:40PM patardugno said... I am guessing that he is donating a percentage of the profits to some type of homeless or disaster survivor fund &/or program? Ideally, a restaurant where unskilled people could be trained & gain some experience, & make an income at the same time would be helpful, ...along the lines of teach a man to fish & he eats forever. But, having people of questionable backrounds can present health risks & concerns including substance abusers who might find it amusing to victimize the clientel. I have given a lot of thought to what would be an ideal situation that could train unskilled workers or retain them in something new, & generate it's own revenue as well as paychecks for a trainee/~volunteer~ type of staff. But after meeting far too many people, I would never want to risk getting involved in anything like it. One reason is that most of the people in situations that require assistance like that are actually substance abusers &/or Parolees,....people I would not want to trust my life & health to. Good Luck Jon. Rock On.
Reply
4-25-2011 @11:18PM Bud Maxwell said... If you've ever warched videos of what really goes on in the back kitchens of even the very finest restaurants, it would give thoughtful pause to ever coinsider eating out again! Now that any old bum that comes along to grab a free meal simply by doing some chores in this proposed facility, it really is scary to think about all the germs, diseases, untrained and generally filthy things going on before taking a first bite into anything set before you. Not even if all the workers were wrapped in PVC pipes should we consider eating in this joint! Ugh!!!
Reply
4-25-2011 @11:31PM Linda said... Ok, Being that Jon has looked into this idea,, knows the risks, needs, and HEALTH requirements I think that its a GREAT idea. He wouldnt open a restraurant or put anyone in harms way. He is just intersted in helping the needy. Not all needy people are Bad people. they have just had a run of bad luck. His nonprofit JonbonJovi Soul Foundation is incredible. He is a humanatarian. . HAVE some hope people. Give the man a little credit. He isnt a stupid business man. Hes a business man with a heart.
OH and....Shame on ssdsjo for looking for a date on here. Advertise somewhere else. THIS ISNT A DATING SITE.
Reply
4-26-2011 @5:38AM Paula said... Jon would never allow his wife & kids to be around "bums". People who are needy aren't "bums". Jon has a heart of gold & wants to help others. I know people who have worked with him & been on tours with the band. G-d is using Jon & his family to bless others & we who can "Pay It Forward".
4-25-2011 @11:56PM Dana Hyde said... One of my favorite national chains with a solid record of philanthropy, Panera Bread, is also trying this concept. They have now opened 3 pay-what-you-can cafes, including one this year in Portland, OR.
When Jon Bon Jovi gave away the Bongiovi family home in Sayreville after buying a new one for his parents, he made sure to include a stipend towards New Jersey's high property taxes. I know that in the executuion of this venture he will ensure that it succeeds as well.
Reply
4-26-2011 @1:09AM Linda Brazier said... and one here in Dearborn michigan..I know it's still open but we no longer eat there ...it;s changed alot ..we live next to Detroit michigan and it brought in everyone from skid row..sry
4-26-2011 @12:00AM krktoday said... Bon Jovi has had one of these places where ever he live's because I have seen him on some talk show talking about it. He washes dishes in this place when he isn't on the road. His wife cook's and his kid's wait table's. I am pretty sure this isnjt something they all do every day but I think he is a pretty great guy. Not many singer's give back. It is a non profit. He said if you can pay you need to and if you have extra money give for the next person and if you have none just sit and eat. He also has paid to rebuild many home's in New Orlean's from the hurricane.
Reply
4-26-2011 @2:55AM kamasmith said... I was very encouraged to find this site. I wanted to thank you for this special read. I definitely savored every little bit of it.
Singapore Company Formation
Reply
4-26-2011 @5:39AM Paula said... I have always been a huge Bon Jovi fan for their music & they lived their lives. Jon just keeps on giving in so many ways but doesn't do it for publicity. A lot of people probably do not know about the clinic he & Dorothea support in New Jersey. He is not the only member of the band who gives.
The band has been around since 1983 & have never gotten the awards they deserved or they have never been praised by the critics. I am a 63 yr. old great-grandmother but I feel like 39. My daughter got me hookedon the band in the 1980's & I have been around a lot of people in the music business since I lived close to Nashville & came to know a lot of record execs & was around a lot of stars. Trust me, Jon & his band are definitely the best live band ever. Also a great family man.
Reply
4-26-2011 @9:34PM Frank Sciolaro said... Jon and his family are tremendous examples of people who are grateful for their great fortune, don't take it for granted, and share their great values and fortune with others. He is a great role model for all to see and emulate, and is a prime example of what is good in NJ and our country as a whole.......................and on top of that he makes some tremendous music, and has endured nearly 3 decades of superstardom in an industry where 3 years of success is rare.
Reply
4-26-2011 @10:59PM KG said... Thank you Jon BonJovi; I did state many times in previous posts and other threads, that all restaurants, fast food, diners, family restaurants, elite restaurants, etc, shouldn't waste food, and at the end of the day, should allow those in the community that are down on their luck, homeless, or struggling financially, that they are given food to eat there or take home to their families. This should be happening at grocery stores, fruit/Veggie markets, bakeries, that will ultimately waste good food by throwing it out and not give it away! Even in schools, there are many children or employees down on their luck, trying to feed families, should be given the food, milk, etc, at the end of the day, as it's tossed in the garbage, as it's the law! Sorry, sometimes, it's good to give, rather than waste foods. Much appreciation Jon and all involved in this endeavor! More should do this, as good things are returned to those giving to their communities! Jon BonJovi, does in many ways, give back to his community and to others! Knew I enjoyed his concerts and him! Thank you and God Bless you and yours always Jon Bon Jovi!
Reply
4-29-2011 @8:39PM Joan said... Congratulations to Jon Bon Jovi and his family for once again extending a helping hand to folks and families who are down on their luck, out of work, etc. Even homeless people deserve a decemt meal. He remains one of the greatest entertainers and philanthropists around today....and I say Hooray for him!
Reply
5-24-2011 @6:17AM William Hoffman said... He can indeed hit that note, but he doesn't live because I'm sure he would rather save the energy required to hit that note for the rest of the concert.
http://friendfeed.com/fredbillsmith/fecb7667
Reply
6-24-2011 @1:09AM Amylvatore Dick said... Just pack and patch the broken area with new clay,it will then be okay when the new clay has hardened.
http://vimaxdetox.net/
Reply