Concerns have been raised by Toms River, New Jersey Mayor Daniel Rodrick regarding the impact of one of Jon Bon Jovi’s JBJ Soul Kitchen restaurants, particularly its location within a school-centric library. This establishment has reportedly attracted an increasing number of homeless individuals, which has become a significant issue for the local community.

Earlier this year, the JBJ Soul Kitchen opened in a repurposed Dunkin franchise situated inside a Toms River library branch. Mayor Rodrick has described the restaurant as evolving into “a day shelter and soup kitchen,” which has drawn a steadily growing homeless population to the vicinity, raising alarms among local residents and officials.

Discover the Mission and Impact of JBJ Soul Kitchen

Founded by rock legend Jon Bon Jovi, the JBJ Soul Kitchen is a community-focused restaurant chain designed to provide meals at a suggested price of $12. For patrons who find themselves in financial difficulties, the restaurant offers opportunities for volunteering in exchange for meals. Additionally, generous diners can choose to pay it forward to assist others who may struggle to afford their meals, fostering a sense of community and support.

Jon Bon Jovi and his wife, Dorothea Bon Jovi, have established a permanent JBJ Soul Kitchen in Toms River, while the new branch operates as a temporary pop-up with a lease that is set to expire in May. This initiative aims to tackle hunger and social issues while providing wholesome food to those in need.

Addressing the Mayor’s Concerns About the JBJ Soul Kitchen’s Impact

Toms River Mayor Daniel Rodrick has publicly expressed his concerns regarding the operations of the restaurant located within the library, emphasizing that local county officials have not taken adequate measures to manage the increasing homeless population that has congregated in the area since the restaurant’s inception. His apprehension primarily revolves around the safety and well-being of children visiting the library.

Mayor Rodrick has suggested that parents might want to consider taking their children to a different library branch until the issues with the homeless community surrounding the JBJ Soul Kitchen are resolved. He stated, “They’ve completely ignored all of our complaints and concerns,” highlighting the distressing situation faced by families. “Mothers shouldn’t have to walk through large gangs of intoxicated and mentally ill men with their children to borrow a book,” he added, underlining the urgency of finding a solution.

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In response to the mayor’s criticisms, the JBJ Soul Kitchen issued a statement to Patch and several other news outlets, asserting, “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.” This statement emphasizes the restaurant’s commitment to aiding those in need beyond just providing meals.

Reactions from Local Officials Regarding the JBJ Soul Kitchen

In the report by USA Today, Ocean County Commissioner Jennifer Bacchione expressed her surprise at the complaints regarding the restaurant, indicating that many patrons have referred to it as a vital resource. Bacchione pushed back against the portrayal of the establishment as merely “a soup kitchen,” clarifying that the JBJ Soul Kitchen does not provide free food without any conditions and that patrons are encouraged to participate in cleaning up or assisting in some capacity if they cannot pay.

Furthermore, she shared that discussions have been held with the sheriff’s department to station officers at both the Toms River and Lakewood library branches to enhance safety. “It’s a sad situation, and we have to come up with a solution,” Bacchione remarked, acknowledging the challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness. “In the meantime, it’s a public library, and we are keeping the people safe,” she affirmed, highlighting the need for balance between community services and public safety.

She clarified that the purpose of establishing the JBJ Soul Kitchen in the library was not specifically to serve the homeless population but rather to provide an additional food option for library patrons, courthouse employees, and students from the nearby Toms River High School South. With the lease set to expire at the end of May, discussions about the future of JBJ Soul Kitchen in the library are ongoing and have yet to reach a conclusion.