The No-Price Restaurant Feeding Thousands in New Jersey Owned by a Rockstar

Guess Which Celebrity Owns a Restaurant That Doesn’t Charge You

Walk into most restaurants, and the first thing you do is open the menu and scan the prices. But not at JBJ Soul Kitchen.

There, you’ll find no dollar signs, no totals to tally, and no judgment either. Instead, you’ll find a warm plate, a welcoming table, and — if you look close enough — the heart of a rock legend beating in every bite.

Yes, that rock legend. Jon Bon Jovi.

Photo: JBJ Soul Kitchen's Instagram

More Than a Meal: A Mission

Born and raised in the Garden State, Jon Bon Jovi has spent decades lighting up stages across the globe. But what many don’t know is that his biggest legacy may not be the stadium anthems — it may be a quiet revolution in how communities break bread together.

Launched in 2011 in Red Bank, New Jersey, JBJ Soul Kitchen is a nonprofit community restaurant unlike anything else. It looks like a cozy farm-to-table bistro, complete with seasonal dishes and rustic vibes. But what makes it truly special is its philosophy: All are welcome to dine with dignity.

That means no prices on the menu. Instead, those who can afford it are encouraged to donate — often covering not just their meal, but someone else’s. And those who can’t pay? They’re invited to volunteer in exchange for their meal. Everyone eats the same food, at the same tables, with the same level of service.

Bon Jovi is clear: “We are not a soup kitchen. We are not a pay-what-you-want restaurant. We are a unique Pay It Forward model.”

And it works.

Feeding Hope, Not Just Hunger

To date, JBJ Soul Kitchen has served over 200,000 meals across its Red Bank and Toms River locations. That number includes families in crisis, students facing food insecurity, and people who just need a place to sit down and feel human again.

What started as a 30-seat experiment has become a movement — with locations expanding near college campuses and even into libraries. Yes, you can now grab a wholesome meal at their new pop-up inside the Ocean County Library, where the suggested donation is $12. But again, that’s only a suggestion.

It’s this sense of choice — and mutual respect — that sets the JBJ Soul Kitchen apart. It’s not about charity. It’s about community. You give what you can. You receive what you need.

Beyond the Table: How You Can Help

Bon Jovi’s passion for giving back didn’t start with the Kitchen. His JBJ Soul Foundation has been around since 2006, working to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness. And while you can always donate or volunteer, there are even more creative ways to support the cause.

For one, there’s JBJ-branded coffee and seasoning blends — ethically sourced and created with the same integrity that fuels the Kitchen itself. (And let’s be honest, if Bon Jovi can make a hit out of a rosé, you know the man has taste.)

The Foundation continues to receive support from national partners like Kohl’s Cares, and despite occasional pushback from local leaders about the crowd the Kitchen draws, the public’s response has remained overwhelmingly positive.

A Restaurant Where the Menu Costs Nothing — and Means Everything

In an era where food insecurity remains a growing issue and restaurant culture often feels exclusive, JBJ Soul Kitchen is a radical reminder of what dining out can be — human, generous, and deeply healing.

So if you’re ever near Red Bank or Toms River, skip the usual spots. Step into Soul Kitchen. You might not leave humming “Livin’ On a Prayer,” but you will walk out nourished — body and soul.