Jessica Norton 
Just days before it was set to close, the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Kitchen pop-up at the Toms River Library has gotten a reprieve. The non-profit cafe, located at 101 Washington Street and founded by New Jersey-born rocker Jon Bon Jovi has served meals through a pay-it-forward model to combat food insecurity during its time in the county facility, alongside its permanent restaurant locations in Toms River and Red Bank. The pop-up has offered an inclusive, stigma-free space where anyone can enjoy a meal while also connecting locals to community resources. Read on to learn more about the closure of the JBJ Soul Kitchen Pop-Up in Toms River, New Jersey.
Image credit: Google Maps
About the Pop-up
The JBJ Soul Kitchen pop-up, run by the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, opened inside the Ocean County Library’s Toms River branch, located at 101 Washington Street, in February 2025. The pop-up cafe has followed the same unique “pay-it-forward” model as the JBJ Soul Kitchen locations in Red Bank and Toms River. There are no prices listed on the menu. Customers who can afford to pay for their meals often donate extra to cover for others, while those who can’t pay volunteer by washing dishes or serving a meal, creating a sustainable cycle of community support.
During the pop-up’s run, its presence prompted public discussion and distaste from local government officials, and ultimately, the cafe organizers were unable to secure approval to remain in the space beyond January 30, 2026.
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Toms River Mayor Daniel Rodrick repeatedly criticized the pop-up cafe, and he did not support keeping it open long-term. Mayor Rodrick repeatedly argued that the pop‑up was drawing more unhoused individuals to the downtown area around the Ocean County Library.
“They are dropping dozens of mentally ill and drug addicts downtown even after they said they would stop,” Mayor Rodrick said. He also described the situation as a safety concern and called the pop-up a “soup kitchen” rather than a community cafe, according to Patch.
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A JBJ Soul Kitchen spokesperson confirmed that since opening the JBJ Soul Kitchen Pop-Up at the Ocean County Library in February 2025, its team has served over 12,500 meals, with 77 percent going to guests experiencing food insecurity. Guests have also received over 207 referrals to local service providers, with several now employed and housed.
Patrons at Cafe. Image courtesy of the JBJ Soul Kitchen.
However, as of January 28th, 2026, the pop-up has been extended through April 30th, 2026. The JBJ Soul Kitchen credited community support for the outcome, highlighting library staff, local residents, and community partners. Per the organization, over the past year, the Pop-Up served more than 13,500 meals, with 78% of those meals going to guests in need.
“From the very beginning, this Pop-Up was about responding to a real and growing need in downtown Toms River,” said Assistant General Manager, Rob Wood, via a statement. “The library staff, our partners, and community members showed up and advocated for our guests. This extension is a direct result of that collective effort, and we are incredibly grateful.”
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The closure of the pop-up does not affect JBJ Soul Kitchen’s Hooper Avenue and Red Bank restaurant locations. Visit the JBJ Soul Kitchen website for updated restaurant menus, calendars, donation information, and more.
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