Category Archives: Editorial

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 March 3 2025 

200,000 Meals Served Across SK Red Bank and Toms River Locations

New Jersey – March 3, 2025 – JBJ Soul Kitchen is proud to announce the celebration of a significant milestone—serving its 200,000th meal. What started as one small restaurant with a big mission has grown into a community-driven initiative that proves real change is possible. Through its Pay It Forward model, JBJ Soul Kitchen has provided restaurant-quality meals to those facing food insecurity while inviting paying customers to contribute toward feeding their neighbors.

Since opening our doors, JBJ Soul Kitchen has remained committed to providing delicious three-course meals to individuals and families in need while fostering an environment where All Are Welcome to dine with dignity. The milestone of 200,000 meals served is shared between the Red Bank and Toms River locations, highlighting the ongoing impact of the initiative in New Jersey communities.

Reflecting on this milestone, Dorothea and Jon Bon Jovi shared their gratitude, “When we first opened, people did not understand our unique Pay It Forward model. We are not a soup kitchen. We are not a pay-what-you-want restaurant. We are a unique Pay It Forward model where those who are unable to pay, volunteer their time. Those who can pay, pay for their meal and donate to pay it forward. Everyone has the same amazing meal. Everyone has the same fantastic experience. This model has now been proven time and time again for well over a decade.”

Watch our celebration video!

The flagship location in Red Bank, New Jersey, opened in 2011 with just 33 seats. Over the years, JBJ Soul Kitchen has expanded to include The B.E.A.T. Center in Toms River, a vibrant resource hub offering a choice food pantry in partnership with Fulfill, a culinary training program, and a JBJ Soul Kitchen. Additionally, we have locations at Rutgers University-Newark and New Jersey City University, addressing food insecurity among students.

JBJ Soul Kitchen has served 200,000 meals within its dining room setting. This number does not include the thousands of additional meals provided during crises such as Superstorm Sandy, the COVID-19 pandemic, and supporting local warming centers and overnight shelters during Code Blue nights.

Supporters can directly affect change by dining at JBJ Soul Kitchen’s Red Bank or Toms River locations. The mission to fight food insecurity is ongoing, and continued community involvement is essential. To contribute directly to our Pay It Forward program, visit this link

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 February 12 2025 

JBJ SOUL KITCHEN POP-UP IN TOMS RIVER

Toms River, N.J. – February 11, 2025 – JBJ Soul Kitchen, the unique nonprofit Pay It Forward restaurant, is excited to announce the opening of a new pop-up location in Toms River, New Jersey. Located at 101Washington St, in the Ocean County Library, this temporary café will serve meals to the local community while continuing JBJ Soul Kitchen’s mission of addressing food insecurity.

The JBJ Soul Kitchen Pop-Up will offer nutritious meals for a suggested price of $12. Diners can enjoy a variety of choices such as sandwiches, wraps, bowls, and large salads. For those on the go, an a la carte menu is also available, allowing diners to choose what they want for a lighter bite or quick lunch.

The JBJ Soul Kitchen Pop-Up follows the same model as our other locations. It is not a pay-what-you-want model or a soup kitchen. Customers pay for their meals and are given the opportunity to pay it forward, helping those who are unable to pay but have volunteered for their meals. All customers enjoy a delicious meal regardless of their socioeconomic status.

JBJ Soul Kitchen is deeply committed to supporting the Toms River community, especially those facing food insecurity. The new café is conveniently located near essential services such as the Toms River Bus Terminal and many businesses and organizations, such as Bright Harbor Healthcare, South Jersey Legal Services, and NJ Reentry Corporation offering critical services to those in need.

Rob Wood, Assistant General Manager of JBJ Soul Kitchen, expressed his excitement about the new location, “We are thrilled to expand our reach and serve even more members of the community. This pop-up allows us to connect with those who may not be able to visit our main location on Hooper Avenue,” which is located at The B.E.A.T. Center, a resource hub for the community. Rob continues, “Our goal is to provide a space where All Are Welcome to enjoy a nutritious meal and be part of a community where all are valued.” Guests can enjoy a delicious meal, knowing that their dining experience directly supports the mission of JBJ Soul Kitchen to feed those who need it most. “We are here to create a positive impact on the Toms River community,” Rob added. “Whether you are here for a meal, to volunteer, or to Pay It Forward, every small act helps make a big difference in someone’s life.”

Location:
Inside Ocean County Library
101 Washington St, Toms River, NJ 08753

Hours of Operation:
Tuesday – Friday: 10:00AM – 2:00PM
Saturday – Monday: Closed

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 September 24 2024 

9th Annual Chili Cook-Off to Celebrate First Responders and Support Food Insecurity

TOMS RIVER, NJ – On Saturday, October 12, 2024, JBJ Soul Kitchen Toms River hosted their 9th Annual Chili Cook-Off, a tribute to the dedicated service of first responders across New Jersey. This event successfully brought the community together to celebrate first responders while supporting JBJ Soul Kitchen’s mission of addressing food insecurity.

Our 9th Annual Chili Cook-Off was our biggest yet, and we’re grateful to everyone who joined us! This year’s event featured delicious chili, enthusiastic competitors, and a supportive community, making for a fantastic day.

A special thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Vydia, for their continued support of JBJ Soul Kitchen. Their generosity helps us in our mission to fight food insecurity during a time when we need help the most. As of the end of September, JBJ Soul Kitchen Toms River has served 72% of our meals to guests who were unable to pay and volunteered at the restaurant for their meal.

Thank you to all first responder participants who joined us for the 9th Annual Chili Cook-Off. Your continued commitment to keeping our community safe is truly appreciated, and we’re honored to have you as part of this event.

All 13 First Responder Participants:

  • Belleville Fire Department
  • Elizabeth Fire Department
  • Essex County Prosecutor’s Office
  • Lanoka Harbor EMS
  • Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office
  • New Jersey State Police NCO Association
  • Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office
  • Ocean County Sheriff’s PBA Local 379
  • Pine Beach Police Department
  • Rutgers University Police Department
  • Toms River Fire Company #1
  • Toms River PBA 137
  • Union Beach Police Department

Congratulations to our winners:
1st Place: Rutgers University Police Department
2nd Place: Essex County Prosecutor’s Office
3rd Place: Union Beach Police Department
Best Dressed: Toms River PBA 137
Best Table: Rutgers University Police Department

Thanks to all our sponsors for making this event possible:

  • Ultimate Chili Sponsor: Arden Group
  • Smokin’ Hot Sponsor: Steel Horse
  • Hot Zone 50/50 Sponsor: D. Ryan Landscapes
  • Chili Champion Sponsor: Caroline Rafferty Interiors, LLC
  • Guitar Raffle Sponsor: Honeygrow
  • Top Chef Award Sponsor: Monmouth Medical Center
  • Cooling Station Sponsor: Carlin Family
  • Cup of Joe Station Sponsor: Brandywine Gables
  • Table Sponsor: Mehul Choksi – Salaried
  • Chair Sponsor: Yeehoo Press
  • Chili Sponsor: PernaFrederick
    Donation Sponsors:
  • Farros
  • Soldier On
  • Mr. Happy Party Rentals

We are thrilled with the turnout and support from our community, and we can’t wait to see everyone at our next event! Stay tuned for more updates from JBJ Soul Kitchen as we continue our mission to provide nutritious meals to those facing food insecurity.

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 December 12 2023 

JBJ Soul Kitchen Celebrates: Red Bank Wins 2023 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best, Toms River Earns Top 10% Worldwide Recognition!

We’re thrilled to announce that JBJ Soul Kitchen’s Red Bank location has been awarded the 2023 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best winner! Only 1% of TripAdvisor’s 8 million listings get this recognition, and we’re proud to be the only restaurant in New Jersey to receive this award. Learn more about JBJ Soul Kitchen’s recognition as one of the best hidden gems in the United States by visiting https://bit.ly/BestHiddenGemRestaurants.

JBJ Soul Kitchen in Red Bank is currently ranked #1 out of 78 restaurants in town on Tripadvisor.

Additionally, our Toms River location has secured the 2023 Travelers’ Choice winner title, proudly ranking in the top 10% of restaurants worldwide.

JBJ Soul Kitchen in Toms River is currently ranked #1 out of 193 restaurants in town on Tripadvisor.

This achievement showcases our dedication to providing an outstanding dining experience. Thank you to all of our supporters! We’re excited to keep serving up delicious three-course meals, and we look forward to welcoming more guests to JBJ Soul Kitchen.

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 October 24 2023 

Support JBJ Soul Kitchen During The Boss Mistletoe Rock Radiothon

The Boss Mistletoe Rock Radiothon, in support of our program, JBJ Soul Kitchen, will take place on December 8th from 6am to 7pm at our JBJ Soul Kitchen locations in Red Bank and Toms River and at the Freehold Raceway Mall.

Your generous donation of $20 or more will score you a pair of tickets to The Boss Mistletoe Rock Holiday Party, at Bar Anticipation on Wednesday, December 13th starting at 7pm featuring Super Trans Am and tons of great prizes! There are many ways to donate.

Pledge to Pay It Forward for a year! Commit to an annual donation of $20 or more each month, and you’ll become a Mistletoe Rock “Partner in Soul.” We will send you a limited-edition Mistletoe Rock Radiothon t-shirt that you can proudly wear to show your support for JBJ Soul Kitchen! 

FAQ:

What is the Boss Mistletoe Rock Radiothon, and when is it taking place?

The Boss Mistletoe Rock Radiothon is a fundraising event in support of JBJ Soul Kitchen. It will take place on December 8th from 6am-7pm at JBJ Soul Kitchen locations in Red Bank and Toms River, as well as at the Freehold Raceway Mall.

How can I contribute to the Radiothon?

There are several ways to donate:

  • Call the AJ Perri Phone Bank at 732-800-2229
  • Text “SOUL” to 732-774-4444 for the donation link
  • Make a $20 donation or more and receive two tickets to The Boss Mistletoe Rock Holiday Party at Bar Anticipation on December 13th. Linked here
  • Pledge to Pay It Forward for a year by committing to an annual donation of $20 or more each month. As a Mistletoe Rock “Partner in Soul,” you’ll receive a limited-edition Radiothon t-shirt. Linked here

How can I donate in person?

Visit us at the Freehold Raceway Mall, at the Starbuck’s Stage in Center Court, all day until 7 pm. Alternatively, donate in person from 7am-5pm at JBJ Soul Kitchen locations in Red Bank and Toms River. Everyone who donates in person will be entered to win a Jon Bon Jovi autographed headshot, where we will be giving away one at each broadcast location.

What is the Online Auction?

Bid on a variety of amazing items while supporting JBJ Soul Kitchen. The online auction features a diverse range of items, including unique experiences, memorabilia, and valuable goods. Linked here

How can I listen to 107.1 The Boss if I don’t live in New Jersey?

If you’re outside New Jersey but still want to enjoy 107.1 The Boss Mistletoe Rock Radiothon, you can tune in by visiting their website at https://1071theboss.com for a live stream.

Where can I find updates and additional details about the Radiothon?

For the latest updates, including the AJ Perri Phone Bank Hotline, in-person live broadcasts, and online donations, please visit the Mistletoe Rock Radio website. Linked here

Can I still donate after the Radiothon?

Yes, you can donate online! Your ongoing support is appreciated beyond the event, ensuring a lasting impact on the community. Linked here

As our in-need population continues to grow, your support is more important than ever.

  • In 2023, 63% of our diners have identified as food insecure.
  • In September 2023, JBJ Soul Kitchen Toms River served 77% of their meals to those in-need.
  • From August, JBJ Soul Kitchen Red Bank saw an 20% increase in people who could not afford to pay for their meals.
  • Over 185,000 meals served, and counting.

We hope to see you on December 8th as we come together to spread hope and warmth to those who need it most! Thank you for being a part of our mission and for spreading the spirit of giving. Please visit the Mistletoe Rock Radio website for the latest updates!

Please visit the Mistletoe Rock Radio website for updates on all details, including AJ Perri Phone Bank Hotline, in-person live broadcasts, or donate now through the New Jersey Natural Gas Online Donation Center.