NJ Community Restaurant

Thanks, Mys, for dropping this link into my inbox :)

From ABCNews:

RED BANK, N.J. (WABC) -- Rocker Jon Bon Jovi's foundation has received approval for a restaurant that would serve people whether they can pay or not.

The spot doesn't look like much right now. It's an old auto repair shop, closed for years. There's no grass, just gravel, but rocker Jon Bon Jovi's about to give it a quite unique new life as a community restaurant.

"It got a unanimous vote last night," Dan Mancuso of the Red Bank Planning Board said.

The key word here is "community" - meaning if you can pay, cool. If you can't, don't worry about it. Just commit to volunteer work of just about any kind, and that'll cover your meal.

Talk about a Bon Jovi hit.

"It shows he cares about poor people. It's good for the area," John Decker said.

"I was concerned at first," said Wendy Giguere, who lives right next door to the lot that may very well, all of a sudden be a popular spot. After hearing it'll have only a few tables, just 4 parking spots, and a community garden to replace the gravel, she warmed to the idea.

"I think it's a lovely idea, and it will be good for the area," she said.

An abandoned building across the street has been approved for development. So have a few other nearby eyesores.

The foundation plans to move forward quickly on the restaurant. The hope is to have it open and receiving customers by July.

The menu at the Bon Jovi restaurant will feature nutritious items and no prices.

Diners can also donate money to pay for the meals of others.

~ Hath