At the JBJ Soul Kitchen, anyone can eat a full meal regardless of whether they have money to pay for it.

The restaurant, run by Dorothea Bongiovi, the wife of rock star Jon Bon Jovi , operates four locations across New Jersey where guests can either make a suggested donation of $20 to $30 or pay with their time by volunteering.

The model allows patrons to work as servers, dishwashers or in other roles to earn their meals. But Bongiovi emphasizes the approach isn't charity.

"Ours is a model of empowerment," Bongiovi said. "We're not here to make somebody feel like, 'Oh, I'm giving this to you.' You have earned it."

The restaurants, which first opened in 2011, go beyond just serving meals. Staff members like hostess Nicole Dorrity provide community outreach, helping patrons secure

See Full Page