Celebrating Kitchen Porters: From The Dorchester to JBJ Soul Kitchen

Kitchen porters, often the unsung heroes of the culinary world, play an essential role in maintaining the smooth operation of kitchens across various dining establishments. This recognition extends from the prestigious kitchens of The Dorchester in London to the community-focused JBJ Soul Kitchen in Red Bank, New Jersey. Both establishments highlight the vital contributions of kitchen porters in their unique ways.

A Unique Mission at JBJ Soul Kitchen

JBJ Soul Kitchen, a non-profit community restaurant founded by rock legend Jon Bon Jovi and his wife, Dorothea Hurley, serves a dual purpose: it provides meals to paying customers and those in need. Since its inception in 2011, the restaurant has worked tirelessly to foster a sense of community while addressing food insecurity. Diners unable to pay for their meals are welcomed into the warm, inviting atmosphere where they can enjoy a nutritious meal and explore volunteer opportunities. Those who can afford to donate are encouraged to make a contribution, further promoting the "Pay it Forward" philosophy.

Jon Bon Jovi’s commitment to the mission of JBJ Soul Kitchen goes beyond his status as a co-founder. He frequently takes on various responsibilities in the kitchen, including donning an apron and working as a kitchen porter (KP). His hands-on involvement underscores the importance of serving the community and the personal investment he has in the restaurant’s operations.

Honoring Contributions to the Kitchen Porter Community

Recently, Jon Bon Jovi was nominated for the Kitchen Porters Club’s Kitchen Porter of the Month as a recognition of his dedication to the JBJ Soul Kitchen. This nomination was put forth by Paul Anderson, Managing Director of Meiko UK and chair of the Kitchen Porters Club. Anderson expressed his surprise at the nomination, initially questioning the idea of the rock star being a kitchen porter but soon realizing the importance of Bon Jovi’s contributions to the restaurant and the community at large.

Anderson’s enthusiasm is palpable: “When I first received the nomination, I had to do a double take. But upon further investigation, it became clear that Jon Bon Jovi is not just a founder of JBJ Soul Kitchen; he actively participates in the kitchen operations. I wholeheartedly endorse the work being done for the New Jersey community through JBJ Soul Kitchen and celebrate Jon’s dedication as a kitchen porter.”

As a token of appreciation, the Kitchen Porters Club is preparing to send Bon Jovi an official KP apron, signifying the club’s recognition of his significant contributions both in the kitchen and to the wider community.

Recognition at The Dorchester

In a parallel initiative, Abigail Adjei from The Dorchester submitted a nomination for her colleague, Harvey Goldman, for the January Kitchen Porter of the Month. Adjei’s nomination highlights Goldman’s exceptional dedication and hard work, which she describes as inspirational. “I am thrilled to nominate Harvey Goldman for the Kitchen Porters Club’s Kitchen Porter of the Month. His unwavering dedication to his work truly stands out,” she noted, emphasizing his invaluable role in the kitchen.

Paul Anderson responded positively to Adjei’s nomination, acknowledging the importance of maintaining high service standards in a world-class establishment like The Dorchester. "From Abigail’s words, it is evident that Harvey Goldman is a highly accomplished and valued member of the back-of-house team. For a venue that delivers world-class service, having exceptional kitchen porters is essential to ensure that these standards are consistently met.”

A Shared Commitment to Excellence

The recognition of kitchen porters at both JBJ Soul Kitchen and The Dorchester not only celebrates individual contributions but also emphasizes the critical role these team members play in the culinary industry. "January has clearly set 2025 into motion at the Kitchen Porters Club in a way that we would want," Anderson remarked. "This is living proof that from New Jersey to Mayfair, kitchen porters truly rock."

The Kitchen Porters Club encourages anyone who works alongside dedicated kitchen porters like Jon Bon Jovi and Harvey Goldman to submit nominations. By doing so, we shine a light on their hard work and commitment to excellence in the culinary world.

In conclusion, whether in the luxurious kitchens of The Dorchester or the community-focused environment of JBJ Soul Kitchen, kitchen porters are vital contributors who deserve recognition and appreciation. Their hard work and dedication not only help maintain the operational flow of kitchens but also enrich the dining experience for all patrons. Celebrating their contributions fosters a greater sense of community and respect for the culinary arts.