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The basics:

• Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation honored with a James Beard Foundation Impact Award
• Nonprofit’s JBJ Soul Kitchen concept uses a pay-it-forward and volunteer model to fight hunger
• More than 234,000 meals served across several New Jersey locations
• Program also supports housing, job training and community services

The James Beard Foundation is honoring New Jersey rocker Jon Bon Jovi‘s nonprofit community restaurant concept for efforts to feed those in need.

The culinary organization named the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation an Impact Award recipient as part of its annual recognition program.

Launched in 2025, the Impact Awards showcase changemakers actively working to push for standards that create a more equitable, sustainable and economically viable restaurant industry and food system.

The Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation runs a handful of community restaurants across New Jersey. Bon Jovi and his wife, Dorthea Bongiovi, founded the nonprofit in 2006. The eateries function on a pay-it-forward or volunteer-in-exchange model.

JBJ Soul Kitchen started in Red Bank. Since then it has expanded to downtown Toms River, the Paul Robeson Campus Center at Rutgers University-Newark and the Gilligan Student Union Building at New Jersey City University. Additionally, a pop-up lunch spot launched in February 2025 at the Toms River Branch of Ocean County Library. That location recently received approval to operate through the end of April.

Over the years, the initiative has served more than 234,000 healthy, three-course meals. According to the foundation, 58% of diners paid for their food by volunteering while donations covered 42% of those meals.

The Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation has also helped support nearly 1,000 units of affordable and supportive housing across 12 states, benefiting thousands, including youth and veterans.

‘Dignity, compassion, and purpose’

The James Beard Foundation praised the nonprofit for its work to offer “more than just a meal” in the quest to “break the cycle of hunger, poverty and homelessness.”

“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 foundation said.

In a statement shared on social media, the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation said, “We’re honored to share that the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation has been selected as a 2026 James Beard Foundation Impact Award Honoree for our program, JBJ Soul Kitchen.

“For nearly four decades, the James Beard Awards have represented one of the highest distinctions in the culinary world. Being recognized in this way is an incredible honor, and a reflection of our mission to serve our community with dignity, compassion, and purpose. Our unique Pay it Forward model serves those in need, addressing food insecurity, and building a community where All Are Welcome at the table.”

It’s their life

Over the years, the group has received several other accolades. In 2024, the foundation earned an Innovation in Economic Development Award at the Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development.

The New Jersey Hall of Fame inducted Dorothea Bongiovi, last fall. She also received the Unsung Hero Award for her long-standing commitment to helping people in need. Additionally, nonprofit MusiCares named her Grammy Award-winning husband as Person of the Year in 2024 for his work at JBJ Soul Foundation and JBJ Soul Kitchen.

According to the James Beard Foundation, it will acknowledge Impact Award honorees during a June 14 ceremony in Chicago. The following day, the organization will reveal the winners for its 2026 Restaurant and Chef Awards.

Now in its 36th year, that distinction is considered one of the most prestigious culinary honors. Through the program, the James Beard Foundation seeks to celebrate excellence across all types of dining experiences, from fine dining establishments to casual spots.

Two New Jersey chefs earned spots on the short list for this year’s Best Chef in the Mid-Atlantic award. However, the recently revealed slate of finalists included neither Russ Cowan (Radin’s Delicatessen in Cherry Hill) nor David Viana (Judy and Harry’s in Asbury Park).