Chef and founder of Cafe Momentum, Chad Houser, with an intern, Anton, who will soon graduate from the program.
photo by Alison McLean
Cafe Momentum is a restaurant and school in downtown Dallas that offers internships to justice-involved youth. The restaurant (and nonprofit) is a fresh start in many ways. The kitchen in the front acts as the showcase, but the real work happens behind it: a paid-internship program offers youth ages 15-19 marketable skills, a full curriculum, access to health care services, counseling, and an increased sense of agency and belonging.
Founder and executive chef Chad Houser won the prestigious 2025 James Beard Humanitarian of the Year Award. He was also recently named to the TIME Visionaries list.
And not because the food is great — which it is — but that’s not the reason for all the accolades. Rather, it’s because the team at Cafe Momentum has developed a formula that actually helps our kids and our city. Since starting the program in 2015, their impact is measurable and growing.
So, clearly there’s no other place we’d rather break bread than Cafe Momentum. Join us!
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Our supper clubs give like-minded readers a chance to support a local restaurant, experience culture in that setting, and share a great meal together.
Supper Club Details
Date: Thursday, Oct. 15 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Cafe Momentum, 1510 Pacific Ave., Downtown
Cost: $125 per person, including a multi-course meal, drinks, tax, tip and gratuity.
Menu: TBD, but know that finely executed Southern staples are where they thrive.
Reserving a spot
To get a spot at the table, you need to be a member, which can be as easy as making a one-time donation.
If you’re already a member, check your email for a link to buy a ticket.
We’ll have the full dinner menu soon. The dinners are usually aligned with the regular menu, but include exclusive elements.
Dinner is proudly supported by Webb Family Law Firm.