Soul Kitchen, which Bon Jovi and wife Dorothea launched yesterday in a converted auto body shop in central New Jersey as part of their Soul Foundation, lists no prices on the menu for such items as cornmeal crusted catfish with red beans and rice, grilled chicken breast with homemade basil mayo and rice pilaf, and grilled salmon with soul seasonings, sweet potato mash and sauteed greens, many grown in the garden outside the restaurant’s doors.
But those down on their heels – or those simply seeking a trendy and tasty night on the town - are not encouraged to dine and dash. “If you want to come and you want to make a difference, leave a $20 in the envelope on the table,” Bon Jovi tells Entertainment Weekly.
“If you can’t afford to eat, you can bus tables, you can wait tables, you can work in the kitchen as a dishwasher or sous chef,” he said. “If you say to me, ‘I’m not a people person,’ I say, ‘That’s not a problem. We’ll take you back to Lunch Break to volunteer with those people. If you don’t want to volunteer with that, we’ll take you to the FoodBank.
“This is not a soup kitchen,” Bon Jovi insists to EW, citing the U.S. economic downturn as the impetus for the eatery’s establishment. “You can come here with the dignity of linens and silver, and you’re served a healthy, nutritious meal. This is not burgers and fries.
“If you come in and say, ‘I’m hungry,’ we’ll feed you. But we’re going to need you to do something. It’s very important to what we’re trying to achieve.”
I have to admit: I am no fan of Bon Jovi’s music but this seems like a darn decent thing to do. Here’s hoping it’s a huge success.
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The subject of the 'bata system' comes up during most economic downturns. It's a good idea as long as a community can deal fairly with exchanges of goods, manpower, etc.
Good luck to him and his wife. I do hope his venture is not taken advantage of.
Posted by: carrie | 10/21/2011 at 02:02 AM
OMG this is the most awesome thing I've ever seen done for all walks of life. If my family is ever in New Jersey, you can bet I'll take them to this restaurant and not only eat but leave a donation and also help out.
C
Posted by: Caren | 10/21/2011 at 04:47 AM
I have been a Social Justice activist for years and this is just the type of thing that allows people to have something decent even if they don't have a lot of money and still maintain their dignity. Just another reason to want to meet the man and chat. His way of thinking on lifting others is truly inspiring.
Posted by: Motherof2 | 10/21/2011 at 07:24 AM
WAY TO GO GUYS U R AWESOME TOO BAD OTHERS DIDN'T CARE THIS MUCH
Posted by: Shelly | 10/21/2011 at 09:48 AM
How refreshing to read this. I would love to volunteer my time at this type of establishment
Posted by: em | 10/21/2011 at 10:12 AM
Paying it forward at its finest, with your shattered dignity intact. Marvelous project and a great way to find responsible workers for this challenge and others, a true humanitarian effort.
Posted by: micheal elwood | 10/21/2011 at 11:15 AM
Wow, this had made my day this early in the morning. What an excellent idea. I always knew he was a "good guy" but this is awesome. Wow, a gorgeous man, married to the same woman for many years, talented as all get-out and this to boot!
Posted by: Emma | 10/21/2011 at 11:18 AM
What a great idea! The restaurant not only provides good nutrition and a helpful means to provide it, but also congregates people of like mind for fellowship and good will. Plus that, it gives a positive spin for New Jersey. Jeanette Kroese Thomson
Posted by: Jeanette Kroese Thomson | 10/21/2011 at 11:44 AM
Just beautiful! I love everything Jon and his people stand for. Best of luck to this wonderful couple doing wonderful things for most deserving people.
Posted by: anewme | 10/21/2011 at 01:12 PM
Once again Jon comes up with somthing not to benefit himself but to benefit the less fortunate, great thinking! How can you not love him!!!
Posted by: Lorie Yakobina | 10/21/2011 at 01:49 PM