Q&A with SOUL STAFF

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I first came across the job posting for JBJ Soul Kitchen, so I took some time to learn more about the restaurant and the Foundation. The more I read, the more I was drawn to its mission, especially how it gives back to the community and supports people in different ways. I knew pretty quickly that I wanted to be a part of that.

I started cooking at a very young age, helping my grandfather in the kitchen. Growing up in an Italian household, a lot of life centered around food and time spent together cooking. In my early teens, I began washing dishes at local restaurants, and over time, I worked my way up through the kitchen, eventually becoming a chef. I’ve now been in the restaurant industry for over 35 years.

JBJ Soul Kitchen isn’t your typical neighborhood restaurant. We’re a welcoming, safe space where anyone can come in and enjoy a delicious meal regardless of their ability to pay. We believe everyone deserves access to good food, and we’re committed to making that happen for every guest. On top of that, our menu changes every two weeks, which keeps things fresh and gives people something new to look forward to.

We welcome everyone with no judgment. What makes this place special is the sense of community you feel the moment you walk in, whether you’re dining or volunteering. You can see it in the reactions of our guests and volunteers alike. We’re more than just a restaurant..we’re a place of happiness and encouragement, where there’s always a smile and kind words to be had.

When I was younger, I was a bit of a nomad. I lived in New Jersey, Arizona, Florida, Alaska, Sweden, and Michigan. I had the opportunity to experience life in all those different places, so I took full advantage of it while I could.

One of the most meaningful dishes to me is pastina. My grandfather made it for me more times than I can count. Another is Sunday sauce, which always brings me back to family days at my cousins’ house, gathered around the table for a big Italian Sunday pasta dinner.

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I first came across the job posting for JBJ Soul Kitchen, so I took some time to learn more about the restaurant and the Foundation. The more I read, the more I was drawn to its mission, especially how it gives back to the community and supports people in different ways. I knew pretty quickly that I wanted to be a part of that.

I started cooking at a very young age, helping my grandfather in the kitchen. Growing up in an Italian household, a lot of life centered around food and time spent together cooking. In my early teens, I began washing dishes at local restaurants, and over time, I worked my way up through the kitchen, eventually becoming a chef. I’ve now been in the restaurant industry for over 35 years.

JBJ Soul Kitchen isn’t your typical neighborhood restaurant. We’re a welcoming, safe space where anyone can come in and enjoy a delicious meal regardless of their ability to pay. We believe everyone deserves access to good food, and we’re committed to making that happen for every guest. On top of that, our menu changes every two weeks, which keeps things fresh and gives people something new to look forward to.

We welcome everyone with no judgment. What makes this place special is the sense of community you feel the moment you walk in, whether you’re dining or volunteering. You can see it in the reactions of our guests and volunteers alike. We’re more than just a restaurant..we’re a place of happiness and encouragement, where there’s always a smile and kind words to be had.

When I was younger, I was a bit of a nomad. I lived in New Jersey, Arizona, Florida, Alaska, Sweden, and Michigan. I had the opportunity to experience life in all those different places, so I took full advantage of it while I could.

One of the most meaningful dishes to me is pastina. My grandfather made it for me more times than I can count. Another is Sunday sauce, which always brings me back to family days at my cousins’ house, gathered around the table for a big Italian Sunday pasta dinner.