Jon Bon Jovi has won countless accolades, including Grammys, for his music. Now, his Jon Bon Jovi (JBJ) Soul Foundation is being recognized with a James Beard Foundation Award for its work in feeding those in need.
JBJ Soul Foundation has been named an Impact Award honoree by the 2026 James Beard Awards. The foundation operates JBJ Soul Kitchen, a string of nonprofit community restaurants that operate on a pay-what-you-can or volunteer-in-exchange model. At locations in Toms River, Red Bank and Rutgers University-Newark—plus a pop-up location at the Ocean County library in Toms River that is slated to close April 30—individuals and families facing food insecurity can enjoy a delicious farm-to-table meal in a warm, welcoming setting with dignity. Reservations are not necessary. Founded by Bon Jovi and his wife, Dorothea Bongiovi, the organization has served more than 234,000 healthy, three-course meals across its New Jersey locations to date.
It has also helped support nearly 1,000 units of affordable and supportive housing across 12 states, benefitting thousands of people, including youth and veterans.
“JBJ Soul Kitchen offers more than just a meal—it fosters meaningful connections with guests through community outreach including job training, resume support, employment assistance, partnerships with local mental health providers, and access to housing resources,” the James Beard Awards said in recognizing the foundation, which it also noted has been working since 2006 to break cycles of hunger, poverty and homelessness.
Each fall, JBJ Soul Kitchen hosts an annual Chili Cookoff fundraiser, where Bon Jovi and Dorothea often serve as unannounced judges.
Earlier this year, two New Jersey chefs were nominated for James Beard Awards for their restaurants in Asbury Park and Cherry Hill.
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