In a surprising clash of community interests, Toms River Mayor Dan Rodrick has publicly criticized Jon Bon Jovi's charitable restaurant, JBJ Soul Kitchen, claiming it has attracted an influx of unhoused individuals to the area. The pop-up location, which opened in February 2025 inside the Ocean County Library, is part of Bon Jovi's ongoing efforts to combat food insecurity through a nonprofit initiative that operates on a "pay-it-forward" model.
Rodrick's comments came during a press conference on April 11, 2025, where he expressed his concerns about the restaurant's impact on the community. "We appreciate that Bon Jovi wants to feed people that are needy," he stated in an interview with NBC News. "But the public library down a block from a school is not the appropriate place to bus homeless in from all over the state of New Jersey and other states."
The JBJ Soul Kitchen operates on a unique model where patrons can pay a suggested donation for their meals, with no set prices on the menu. The restaurant has been a staple in New Jersey since 2011, with permanent locations in Red Bank, Toms River, Newark, and Jersey City. It has served over 200,000 meals across its various sites, making a significant impact on local communities.
Despite the positive aspects of the restaurant, Rodrick has taken a hard stance against the pop-up, labeling it a "soup kitchen" and asserting that it is drawing in unhoused individuals from outside Toms River. "They're not from Toms River, and Toms River should not have to bear the brunt of homelessness for the entire county of Ocean, especially when not a single one of these folks are from Toms River," he remarked.
While the mayor's office has not outlined immediate plans to close the pop-up, Rodrick mentioned that his legal team is exploring options that could lead to its shutdown. The pop-up location is currently operating under a lease that extends until May 23, 2025, as confirmed by an attorney representing the Ocean County Library Commission.
In response to Rodrick's accusations, Ocean County Commissioner Robert Arace defended the JBJ Soul Kitchen, stating that there is no evidence to support claims of increased incidents or that the county is busing individuals into Toms River. "He’s saying that incidents have increased? We have data that they have not increased," Arace told CBS News. His comments highlight a tension between the local government and the nonprofit's mission to provide meals to those in need.
Bon Jovi and his wife, Dorothea, have also issued a statement, emphasizing their commitment to finding real solutions to homelessness. "The JBJ Soul Foundation and JBJ Soul Kitchen are committed to ending homelessness through real solutions," they said. "We are not here to just move people around or force them into the shadows." This response underscores the foundation's dedication to addressing food insecurity and homelessness in a meaningful way.
The mayor's remarks have sparked a debate over the appropriateness of utilizing public spaces, such as libraries, for charitable purposes. Rodrick's comments about the pop-up restaurant being akin to a homeless shelter have raised eyebrows, with some questioning whether this characterization undermines the positive work being done by Bon Jovi's nonprofit.
As Toms River is home to approximately 99,000 residents and boasts a median household income of just under $95,000, the community has seen its share of challenges. Known for its youth baseball legacy, including the Toms River East American team that won the 1998 Little League World Series, the town has a robust local identity. However, the increasing visibility of unhoused individuals has become a contentious issue for Rodrick and other local officials.
In his attempts to distance the controversy from Bon Jovi personally, Rodrick has pointed fingers at the Ocean County Board of Commissioners for their role in facilitating the restaurant's operations. "We certainly don’t think that the library is a good place. The issue was never Bon Jovi. It was Ocean County Board of Commissioners who engaged with these nonprofits," he explained. This statement indicates a broader frustration with how local government addresses homelessness and food insecurity.
As the pop-up location nears its closing date, the conversation surrounding JBJ Soul Kitchen continues to evolve. The juxtaposition of a rock star's charitable efforts against a mayor's concerns about community safety raises questions about how best to address the needs of unhoused individuals while maintaining the integrity of public spaces.
While Rodrick's stance may resonate with some residents who feel overwhelmed by the challenges of homelessness, it also risks alienating those who support Bon Jovi's mission. The singer's initiative has garnered significant attention and appreciation for its role in feeding those in need, and many believe that the focus should remain on solutions rather than divisive rhetoric.
The outcome of this conflict remains uncertain as both sides prepare for the pop-up's eventual closure. With Bon Jovi's commitment to social causes and Rodrick's concerns for community safety, the situation highlights the complex dynamics between charitable efforts and local governance.
As the community navigates this contentious issue, it will be crucial to find common ground that addresses the needs of both the unhoused population and the residents of Toms River. The conversation surrounding JBJ Soul Kitchen may serve as a catalyst for broader discussions about homelessness, food security, and community responsibility in New Jersey.
