Q&A with SOUL STAFF

The idea of my internship and what I could learn and do was the major driving factor that brought me to JBJ Soul Kitchen. Learning from the experiences of the previous intern during a presentation is what really skyrocketed my interest. I had a gut feeling that this was the right thing for me. Then, getting to meet Emily and Nicole for the first time validated this feeling. It was a concept that I never thought was possible. I didn’t even know where the restaurant was. But, Jon and Dorothea’s idea was incredible and something I knew I needed to be a part of. I knew that without a doubt, this was the place I needed.

First and foremost, JBJ Soul Kitchen is a restaurant. But beyond that, it is a safe place for anyone and everyone. Not only is it almost completely run by volunteers, it is also run by guests who are in-need. It’s a place where in-need guests have the opportunity to volunteer their time to enjoy a three-course meal, it’s not just a hand out.

For me personally, I sell the food and people. The food is some of the most delicious food I’ve ever had. On a bi-weekly basis, you get to experience a new menu. From a “Mardi Gras” themed menu with gumbo and jambalaya, to Panzanella Salad, to the best Chicken Parm I’ve ever had. But, the best part of this restaurant is the people. From the guests to the volunteers. I have heard some of the most incredible stories in my entire life. But at the core of the volunteers are three incredible people who, without them, the restaurant would not be the same. Emily, Nicole, and Theresa – all who will help you out with whatever you need. Whether it’s a hot mocha, a good laugh, or something to help with the burn on your elbow from the hot oven, they are always there when you need them.

The entire internship experience has truly been life changing. I went into this thinking I’d be cooking some food and learning how a kitchen runs. But, I was so wrong and I couldn’t be happier. The people I work with are people who I can truly call my friends. The joy and love in the place is palpable. The things I’ve learned inside and outside of the kitchen are things I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I now know how to blend soup, dice an onion properly, sear chicken perfectly, when to know if a cake is ready, but I also know the struggles that the guests I serve are going through. Things that, in my town, are problems I never even thought about. This experience is so much more than what I thought it ever could be. There is not a day that goes by where I regret my decision. Doing this has truly changed me as a person and I can’t thank the team at JBJ Soul Kitchen enough for this truly incredible experience. I wouldn’t change it for the world. 

The idea of my internship and what I could learn and do was the major driving factor that brought me to JBJ Soul Kitchen. Learning from the experiences of the previous intern during a presentation is what really skyrocketed my interest. I had a gut feeling that this was the right thing for me. Then, getting to meet Emily and Nicole for the first time validated this feeling. It was a concept that I never thought was possible. I didn’t even know where the restaurant was. But, Jon and Dorothea’s idea was incredible and something I knew I needed to be a part of. I knew that without a doubt, this was the place I needed.

First and foremost, JBJ Soul Kitchen is a restaurant. But beyond that, it is a safe place for anyone and everyone. Not only is it almost completely run by volunteers, it is also run by guests who are in-need. It’s a place where in-need guests have the opportunity to volunteer their time to enjoy a three-course meal, it’s not just a hand out. 

For me personally, I sell the food and people. The food is some of the most delicious food I’ve ever had. On a bi-weekly basis, you get to experience a new menu. From a “Mardi Gras” themed menu with gumbo and jambalaya, to Panzanella Salad, to the best Chicken Parm I’ve ever had. But, the best part of this restaurant is the people. From the guests to the volunteers. I have heard some of the most incredible stories in my entire life. But at the core of the volunteers are three incredible people who, without them, the restaurant would not be the same. Emily, Nicole, and Theresa – all who will help you out with whatever you need. Whether it’s a hot mocha, a good laugh, or something to help with the burn on your elbow from the hot oven, they are always there when you need them.

The entire internship experience has truly been life changing. I went into this thinking I’d be cooking some food and learning how a kitchen runs. But, I was so wrong and I couldn’t be happier. The people I work with are people who I can truly call my friends. The joy and love in the place is palpable. The things I’ve learned inside and outside of the kitchen are things I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I now know how to blend soup, dice an onion properly, sear chicken perfectly, when to know if a cake is ready, but I also know the struggles that the guests I serve are going through. Things that, in my town, are problems I never even thought about. This experience is so much more than what I thought it ever could be. There is not a day that goes by where I regret my decision. Doing this has truly changed me as a person and I can’t thank the team at JBJ Soul Kitchen enough for this truly incredible experience. I wouldn’t change it for the world.