Jelly Roll’s Heart of Gold: Country Star Opens Free Cafeteria for 1,200 Orphans in Nashville

Nashville, TN – Jason Bradley DeFord, better known as Jelly Roll, has solidified his status as not only a country music icon but also a hometown hero. The 40-year-old singer, celebrated for hits like “Son of a Sinner” and “Need a Favor,” has opened a free cafeteria in Nashville’s Antioch neighborhood, serving 1,200 orphans daily. This heartfelt initiative, rooted in his own turbulent past, is transforming lives and inspiring a new generation through music and compassion.

Born and raised in Antioch, Jelly Roll’s journey from a troubled youth to Grammy-nominated artist is the stuff of legend. Having faced incarceration and personal struggles, he’s channeled his experiences into raw, soul-stirring music that resonates with millions. Now, he’s giving back to his community in a big way. The cafeteria, named “Goodnight Nashville Kitchen” in a nod to his new bar, provides nutritious meals to orphaned children across Nashville. “I know what it’s like to feel hopeless,” Jelly Roll shared on Instagram. “This is my way of breaking those generational curses for these kids.”

The cafeteria, located near his childhood home, opened its doors on June 15, 2025, to overwhelming community support. Funded by proceeds from his sold-out Bridgestone Arena shows and his Beautifully Broken Tour, the facility serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, ensuring no child goes hungry. Local volunteers, including Jelly Roll’s wife, Bunnie Xo, staff the kitchen, creating a warm, family-like atmosphere. “These kids aren’t just getting food; they’re getting love,” Bunnie said in a recent TikTok post. The couple’s involvement extends beyond funding, as they frequently visit to serve meals and connect with the children.

What sets this project apart is Jelly Roll’s personal touch: he’s teaching the children who love to sing some of his most heartfelt songs, including “Save Me” and “I Am Not Okay.” These music sessions, held weekly in the cafeteria’s community room, have become a highlight for the kids. “Seeing them sing my songs, pouring their hearts into it, it’s like looking at a younger me,” Jelly Roll told American Songwriter. His involvement has sparked a wave of creativity, with some children forming a choir that performed at the Grand Ole Opry alongside him on June 11, 2025, during CMA Fest. The emotional duet of “I Am Not Okay” left the audience in tears, honoring survivors of a tragic school shooting in Antioch earlier this year.

Jelly Roll’s connection to Nashville runs deep. Having sold mixtapes from his car in the early 2000s, he’s now a four-time Grammy nominee and CMA Award winner. His music, blending country, rap, and rock, speaks to themes of redemption and resilience—qualities he’s bringing to this initiative. “I wouldn’t be here without Nashville,” he said during a recent visit to the cafeteria. “This city gave me a second chance, and I’m giving that chance to these kids.”

The impact is already evident. Local educators report improved attendance and morale among the children, who look forward to meals and music lessons. “Jelly Roll’s not just feeding their bodies; he’s feeding their souls,” said Ruby Elementary School principal Sarah Thompson. Community leaders, including Nashville Sheriff Daron Hall, have praised the project, noting its alignment with Jelly Roll’s broader mission of hope, as evidenced by his 2024 congressional testimony on the fentanyl crisis.

As Jelly Roll prepares for his 2025 BIG ASS Stadium Tour with Post Malone, he remains committed to the cafeteria. “This is my legacy,” he said, standing on his 500-acre Nashville farm, where he envisions expanding the project. For the orphans of Nashville, Jelly Roll is more than a country star—he’s a beacon of hope, proving that even the most broken roads can lead to beautiful destinations.