JBJ Soul Kitchen Executive Chef Rob Nitti knows his clientele. After prepping a barbecue at JBJ Soul Kitchen in Toms River during a sun-dappled September Saturday afternoon, Nitti, while examining the line of folks waiting to enter the community restaurant, noted that customers would enjoy the delicious food the chefs were preparing and he was correct.
Nitti is an excellent culinary artist who impressed guests with juicy barbecued chicken, homemade macaroni and cheese and potato salad, all served during a special "Summer BBQ Series" held several times between June and September. During regular restaurant service, guests enjoy American Regional cuisine, starting with a choice of soup or salad, followed by an entree such as fish, meat or a vegetarian option and finished with a freshly made dessert or fruit. Many dishes are prepared with natural, locally sourced ingredients, and menus are updated on a bi-weekly basis.
At JBJ Soul Kitchen, it's about combating food insecurity and creating a community where all are welcome and treated with dignity. The JBJ Soul Kitchen serves nutritious three-course meals-including an appetizer, entrée, and dessert, to both paying guests and those facing food insecurity.
JBJ Soul Kitchen seeks to provide healthy, locally sourced food in a warm and welcoming restaurant setting to both in-need and paying customers. The restaurant is a program of the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, founded in 2006 to break the cycle of hunger, poverty and homelessness. Since its launch, when Bon Jovi owned the arena football league's Philadelphia Soul, the nonprofit has supported the development of nearly 1,000 units of affordable and supportive housing across 12 states and Washington D.C., reaching thousands of people, including youth and veterans.
JBJ Soul Kitchen is a culinary destination in Toms River and Red Bank but it's much more than about the food. The unique restaurant, which has served 227,502 meals, is a laidback community restaurant. JBJ Soul Kitchen serves paying customers and those in need. It's a way the latter can enjoy a warm three-course meal. Those struggling can learn about volunteering opportunities at JBJ Soul Kitchen.
"We meet people here every day from every walk of life," Community Coordinator Joanne Gwin said. "Some of the people who come in here have everything. Some others are really struggling with financial stress, food, and housing insecurity. Those are the folks we're here for and we're trying to make a difference in their lives. We want to help them get out of their situation."
JBJ Soul Kitchen goes beyond meals and helps those in need with medical issues, documentation, and other critical issues.
JBJ Soul Kitchen Toms River partnered with Fulfill the People's Pantry to create The B.E.A.T. (Bringing Everyone All Together) Center. Guests not only enjoy a meal but are also connected to resources such as housing, education and job support. "You get invested in the people you serve," Nitti said. "There's a guy who I've seen her for three years. He updates me about his life. He told me he got a job at Target, then housing, a car and now even a dog. It's great to see these people get their lives together."
Gwin has been with the Toms River JBJ Soul Kitchen since it opened its doors in 2016. "I started as a volunteer," Gwin said. "I would volunteer Thursday nights, and the Soul Kitchen just got into my blood. I was offered the Community Coordinator position in January of 2020 and I love being here."
JBJ Soul Kitchen utilizes a pay it forward model. The organization asks for a suggested a donation. Guests are encouraged to leave an additional $20 to pay it forward. That helps cover those unable to pay for their lunch or dinner.
Nitti marvels at the work and time Dorothea Bongiovi, founder of JBJ Soul Kitchen, puts into the program that she created. "Dorothea is the heart and soul driver of JBJ Soul Kitchen," Nitti said. "Dorothea is amazing and we're always in contact with her. She wants to be very much involved and is the driving force behind this place.
For a taste of what the JBJ Soul Foundation is about, folks can visit the JBJ Soul Kitchens. "People come in from all over the world to dine with us because of the name," Gwin said. "We get to show everyone what the vision and the mission are all about... We have people that come in here that get to dine with dignity and respect... Everything on the menu is nutritious. We do farm to table as much as we can. Some people eat with us every day."
Every two weeks Nitti changes the menu. "It's good to change it up for the people that dine here.” Nitti said. "We're just here trying to do our part to help the community."
For more information, www.https://jbjsoulkitchen.org
JBJ Soul Kitchen, 1769 Cooper Avenue, Toms River, (732) 731-1414
JBJ Soul Kitchen, 207 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, (732) 842-0900
"Dorothea is the heart and soul driver of JBJ Soul Kitchen. She wants to be involved and is the driving force behind this place."
"People come in from all over the world to dine. We get to show everyone what the vision and the mission are all about."