New Jersey Mayor Says 'I Definitely Want It Gone' To Jon Bon Jovi's Restaurant

Jon Bon Jovi's grand gesture and philanthropic work is not impressing a New Jersey Mayor!

The American singer's charity initiative seemed to have caused a bigger problem for some local communities as it allegedly spiked the number of homeless people in the area.

In 2006, Jon Bon Jovi and his wife came together to establish the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation. Their mission is to combat hunger and homelessness, striving to make a significant impact in these areas.

In February, the artist opened a temporary pop-up restaurant inside the Ocean County Library in Toms River, attracting attention from both residents and officials. 

While the JBJ Soul Kitchen has received praise for helping those in need, Toms River Mayor Daniel Rodrick is concerned it may enable the local homeless situation. He believes it encourages unhoused individuals from across New Jersey and neighboring states to gather in the area. 

Rodrick suggested that if the pop-up is seen as turning the library into a homeless shelter, it would be better to provide funds directly to those in need instead. He criticized the restaurant's presence, labeling it a "real safety concern" while emphasizing the real issue. According to Rodrick:

"I definitely want it gone. We certainly don't think that the library is a good place. The issue was never Bon Jovi. It was [the] Ocean County Board of Commissioners who engaged with these nonprofits."

In contrast, Ocean County Commissioner Robert Arace defended the pop-up against claims of alarming incidents. "He's saying that incidents have increased? We have data that they have not increased. It is not a soup kitchen," Arase noted, according to PEOPLE.

The JBJ Soul Kitchen has served over 208,000 meals, with a significant portion earned through volunteer work. Despite the mayor's objections, the restaurant and its foundation have garnered support from celebrities and notable individuals.

In 2016, as the tenth anniversary of the establishment approached, former President Clinton publicly acknowledged and praised the efforts of Bon Jovi and his wife, Dorothea.

The former president recognized their sterling efforts in addressing food insecurity. During his visit to the eatery, he expressed his gratitude for their commitment to this important cause.

"I came here to add my voice of thanks to Jon and Dorothea, who house the homeless and feed the hungry. And remind us all that underneath our differences, we're not so different after all. If you have not eaten there, you ought to treat yourself," Clinton declared.

The couple dedicated themselves to an altruistic mission by establishing the JBJ Soul Kitchen, a nonprofit restaurant in New Jersey.

With a pay-it-forward model, the restaurant aimed to serve individuals from all socioeconomic backgrounds, ensuring that everyone has access to a meal, regardless of their financial situation.

The organization emphasized that it operates on a model where customers pay for their meals with a suggested price of $12. 

This approach allows patrons to enjoy their food and contribute by paying for someone else's meal. Ultimately, customers support those unable to afford food in exchange for volunteer work. 

The initiative began in 2011 with its first pop-up location in Red Bank. It has since expanded to additional sites, including Toms River, Newark, with its permanent location at Rutgers University.

There is also a pop up at Jersey City, with a permanent location established at New Jersey City University.

Last year, on a Tuesday evening in Music City, The Blast shared that the rock legend intervened in a life-threatening situation. The singer reportedly swung into action when he spotted a distressed woman on the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge who was contemplating suicide. 

While on the set for his music video for "People's House," Bon Jovi approached her and offered calming words that helped change her mind. With the assistance of another bystander, they managed to pull her back to safety.

This act of compassion aligned with the objectives of Suicide Awareness Month and reflects Bon Jovi's ongoing commitment to helping those in need, as he frequently engages in efforts to address issues like hunger and homelessness. 

Sources noted that the incident was just another example of the singer's dedication to crisis management and support for others.

Bon Jovi's heroic actions in Nashville recently captured significant attention when he rescued a woman in distress. The Nashville Fire and Metro Police departments quickly arrived to commend his efforts. 

Police Chief John Drake praised Bon Jovi for his swift response, emphasizing the importance of community in ensuring safety, stating, "It takes all of us to help keep each other safe."

The musician has long been an inspiration, often reflecting themes of resilience in his music. His iconic 1986 hit "Livin' On A Prayer" embodies the spirit of overcoming adversity and supporting loved ones during tough times.

This discussion of mental health is especially poignant, as the World Health Organization reports that over 700,000 people lose their lives to suicide annually. With an estimate that for every suicide, there are around 20 attempts, the issue resonates deeply. 

Alarmingly, in 2019, suicide was identified as the fourth leading cause of death among individuals aged 15 to 29 globally, emphasizing the urgency for awareness and proactive support.

What will be Jon Bon Jovi's next move?