Five years ago, JBJ Soul Kitchen Rutgers University–Newark (RU–N) opened its doors with a bold mission — to fight food insecurity among college students and provide a welcoming, dignified space where everyone could enjoy a nourishing meal regardless of their financial situation. Today, the restaurant proudly celebrates its fifth anniversary, marking not only years of service but also thousands of lives touched, meals shared, and a community united by compassion and purpose.
“It’s hard to believe, but one in three students attending a four-year college struggle with the issue of food insecurity,” said Jon Bon Jovi, Board Chairman of the JBJ Soul Foundation. “When we opened the first JBJ Soul Kitchen on a college campus, we wanted to create a model where no student had to choose between education and nourishment. Five years later, it’s inspiring to see the continued success of this partnership with Gourmet Dining and Rutgers–Newark.”
To commemorate this important milestone, JBJ Soul Kitchen hosted a special celebration on October 30th with extended restaurant hours from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Guests were invited to enjoy a three-course, chef-prepared meal and participate in festivities that included exciting giveaways such as Apple AirPods and Whole Foods gift cards — prizes donated by local partners and community supporters. Three grand prizes crowned the event: four VIP New York Jets tickets to a game of choice and an exclusive getaway to the luxurious Crystal Springs Resort.
A Model Built on Compassion and Community
Since opening, JBJ Soul Kitchen Rutgers–Newark has served over 14,000 meals to students, faculty, and community members. Yet, these numbers tell only part of the story. Each plate represents dignity, empathy, and the belief that access to healthy food is a fundamental human right. The restaurant operates on a pay-it-forward model — diners can either make a suggested donation or use a donated meal plan swipe. This ensures that no one is turned away and everyone, regardless of financial means, can enjoy a full, three-course meal prepared by talented chefs using wholesome ingredients.
What makes JBJ Soul Kitchen truly unique is its emphasis on equality at the table. Guests who can afford to pay often do so gladly, knowing their contribution directly supports another person’s meal. Those facing hardship can dine without stigma, enjoying the same menu and experience as everyone else. The restaurant’s approach has built a culture of respect and solidarity — values that echo the broader mission of Rutgers–Newark to foster inclusivity and social responsibility.
Fighting Food Insecurity on Campus
Food insecurity remains a pressing issue in higher education, often overshadowed by academic and financial concerns. Many college students face difficult choices — between buying textbooks or groceries, paying tuition or affording nutritious meals. JBJ Soul Kitchen RU–N stands as a beacon of hope amid these challenges. Over time, the restaurant has observed a steady increase in the number of in-need guests, now representing more than 50% of all meals served.
“The JBJ Soul Kitchen model is a testament to the power of community–university partnerships to address real challenges,” said Tonya Smith-Jackson, Chancellor of Rutgers–Newark. “At RU–N, we are unapologetically committed to building inclusive pathways to success — and that commitment must include access to real, nourishing food. Intellectual growth demands more than opportunity; it demands sustenance.”
Her words highlight an important truth: academic achievement is intertwined with well-being. Students cannot reach their full potential if they are hungry, anxious, or struggling to meet basic needs. JBJ Soul Kitchen provides not only meals but also stability, enabling students to focus on their education and personal growth.
A Collaboration That Works
Behind the restaurant’s success lies the collaborative partnership between the JBJ Soul Foundation, Gourmet Dining, and Rutgers University–Newark. “As a community restaurant, we are proud to be a place where everyone belongs,” said Michael Frungillo, President of Gourmet Dining. “Our growth proves the model works — it brings people together, feeds those in need, and empowers those who can give back to do so.”
This collaborative spirit extends far beyond the kitchen. Over the past five years, JBJ Soul Kitchen has built strong relationships with local organizations and campus groups that share its mission. Supporters such as the Newark Teachers Association, Rutgers Police Department, and student-led organizations like SORAH (Students Organized Rutgers Against Hunger) have played vital roles in raising awareness, organizing donation drives, and fostering a culture of compassion.
Equally significant is the restaurant’s partnership with RU–N Pantry+, a campus initiative dedicated to providing students with access to nutritious food and essential resources. Together, JBJ Soul Kitchen and Pantry+ coordinate educational programs, outreach activities, and volunteer opportunities — reinforcing that solving food insecurity requires both immediate aid and long-term community education.
Building a Culture of Belonging
The success of JBJ Soul Kitchen RU–N lies not only in the meals served but in the environment it has created. “Our JBJ Soul Kitchen family has grown thanks to student organizations and faculty who see the power of community dining,” said Dorothea Bongiovi, Founder of JBJ Soul Kitchen. “We are so proud that over half of our meals now go to students and guests in need — that’s how we know this initiative is truly making a difference.”
The restaurant has become a gathering place where students from all walks of life come together — to share a meal, exchange ideas, and build friendships. Whether it’s a first-year student struggling to adjust to college life or a faculty member supporting the cause, everyone who steps through the doors becomes part of a greater movement rooted in kindness.
Nourishment Beyond the Plate
Every dish served at JBJ Soul Kitchen embodies the belief that food should nourish both body and spirit. The restaurant features a rotating menu of fresh, locally sourced, and nutritious options — including halal, vegan, and gluten-free dishes — to ensure inclusivity and promote healthy eating habits. Ingredients are often sourced from regional farms and suppliers, supporting local agriculture and sustainability.
The commitment to quality and community is evident in every detail — from the welcoming decor to the friendly service and the thoughtful presentation of meals. This is not just a place to eat; it’s a place to connect, reflect, and give back.
A Legacy of Hope and Action
As JBJ Soul Kitchen Rutgers–Newark celebrates its five-year anniversary, its impact continues to ripple far beyond campus boundaries. The restaurant stands as a national model for how universities can address food insecurity with creativity, compassion, and collaboration. It demonstrates that when communities come together — driven by empathy and a shared vision — they can transform lives one meal at a time.
Jon Bon Jovi, reflecting on the milestone, summed it up best: “Five years ago, we dreamed of a space where no student would have to choose between being fed and being educated. Today, that dream is alive and thriving — thanks to the incredible partnership with Rutgers–Newark, Gourmet Dining, and our community supporters. Together, we’ve proven that food truly has the power to change lives.”
The JBJ Soul Kitchen RU–N’s five-year celebration is more than an anniversary — it’s a reaffirmation of purpose. It reminds us all that when compassion meets action, communities flourish, and no one has to face hunger alone.
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