Jon Bon Jovi's Charity Wins James Beard Impact Award

JBJ Soul Kitchen community restaurant recognized for its innovative 'pay it forward' model.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:00pm

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Jon Bon Jovi's nonprofit, the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, has been named a recipient of the prestigious James Beard Foundation's Impact Award. The award recognizes the foundation's work in establishing the JBJ Soul Kitchen, a community restaurant in New Jersey that operates on a 'pay it forward' model, allowing those in need to volunteer in exchange for a meal.

Why it matters

The JBJ Soul Kitchen represents an innovative approach to addressing food insecurity and providing wraparound services to the community. By combining a restaurant model with job training, mental health resources, and housing assistance, the foundation is tackling multiple facets of poverty and inequality.

The details

The JBJ Soul Kitchen first opened in 2011 and now has four locations in New Jersey. Customers can either pay the suggested donation for a meal or volunteer their time if they are unable to pay. Additional donations from paying customers cover the food costs for those who can't afford it. In addition to serving meals, the Soul Kitchen also provides job training, resume support, employment assistance, access to mental health providers, and housing resources.

  • The Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation was established in 2006.
  • The first JBJ Soul Kitchen location opened in 2011 in Red Bank, New Jersey.
  • The James Beard Foundation will honor the JBJ Soul Foundation at a ceremony on June 14, 2026.

The players

Jon Bon Jovi

The founder of the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation and a musician known for his work with the rock band Bon Jovi.

Dorothea Bongiovi

Jon Bon Jovi's wife, who helped expand the foundation to open the JBJ Soul Kitchen community restaurants.

Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation

A nonprofit organization founded by Jon Bon Jovi that initially focused on building affordable housing and later expanded to open the JBJ Soul Kitchen community restaurants.

James Beard Foundation

A prestigious organization that recognizes excellence in the food and beverage industry, including through its annual Impact Awards.

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What’s next

The Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation will be honored at the James Beard Foundation's annual awards ceremony on June 14, 2026 in Chicago.

The takeaway

By combining a restaurant model with job training, mental health resources, and housing assistance, the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation is demonstrating how community-based initiatives can tackle multiple facets of poverty and inequality. The James Beard Impact Award recognizes the foundation's innovative and impactful approach.