NJ Mayor Upset Over Jon Bon Jovi’s Restaurant – Here’s Why

One of Jon Bon Jovi’s community restaurants has come under scrutiny in Toms River, New Jersey. Mayor Daniel Rodrick is voicing concerns about the JBJ Soul Kitchen pop-up, claiming it’s attracting more people experiencing homelessness near a library that’s often visited by families and schoolchildren.

The pop-up Soul Kitchen was set up earlier this year inside a former Dunkin’ space within a Toms River library branch. While its mission is rooted in kindness and support, not everyone sees it that way—at least not Mayor Rodrick.

What Is the JBJ Soul Kitchen?

Created by Jon Bon Jovi and his wife, Dorothea, the JBJ Soul Kitchen isn’t your typical restaurant. Guests are encouraged to pay $12 for a meal if they can. If they can’t, they’re welcome to volunteer their time in exchange for food. People can also “pay it forward” to help cover meals for others.

The Toms River pop-up is a smaller, temporary version of their original Soul Kitchen, which already exists in the town as a more permanent spot. This new library branch version is operating under a short-term lease that ends in May.

Why the Mayor Isn’t Happy

Mayor Rodrick believes the library location has turned into “a day shelter and soup kitchen,” drawing more homeless individuals to the area. He’s especially concerned about the kids who frequent the library.

“They’ve completely ignored all of our complaints and concerns,” Rodrick told USA Today, speaking about county officials. “Mothers shouldn’t have to walk through large gangs of intoxicated and mentally ill men with their children to borrow a book.”

Rodrick even suggested that parents should consider using another library branch until the issue is resolved.

The Soul Kitchen Responds

In response, the JBJ Soul Kitchen shared a statement with Patch and other outlets:

“Through our JBJ Soul Kitchen, we connect people to resources and services. Whether they need employment, mental health support, or housing, we try to remove the barriers that are keeping them from thriving, not just surviving.”

Ocean County Commissioner Jennifer Bacchione also pushed back against some of Rodrick’s claims. She said she hadn’t heard complaints about the restaurant and noted that patrons have described the Soul Kitchen as a “lifeline.”

She also dismissed the label of “soup kitchen,” saying, “The establishment does not give away food for free” and added that customers “have to clean up and do something” if they can’t afford to pay.

Looking Ahead

Bacchione shared that county officials are in discussions with the sheriff’s department to have officers stationed at both the Toms River and Lakewood library branches to help maintain safety.

She explained that the original goal of the library-based Soul Kitchen wasn’t to “serve the homeless” specifically. “The intent was to provide another food option downtown for courthouse workers, library staff, and high school students from Toms River South,” she said.

With the restaurant’s temporary lease ending soon, it’s still unclear whether the JBJ Soul Kitchen will stay put or move on. One thing’s for sure—it’s started a conversation about community support, homelessness, and how public spaces can serve everyone with dignity.