In 2008, Chad Houser was on the conventional trajectory of success as a co-owner of a prominent restaurant in Dallas, celebrated for his culinary skills but an unexpected opportunity shifted his focus entirely.
A service project involving at-risk youth began with a simple ice cream-making class at a local juvenile detention center, where he taught eight young men the art of creating the frozen treat.
When one of the students won a farmers market ice cream competition, Houser felt a wave of joy for the young man and a drive to contribute even more to their lives.
“That initial encounter led me to [keep volunteering at] the detention facility, teaching cooking classes,” he recalls, highlighting how those moments became transformative for him.
As Houser engaged with the youth, he soon realized the stark contrast between his upbringing and theirs.
“I recognized that their lived experience at 15, 16 years old was far different than mine,” he noted, acknowledging the privileges and opportunities he had during his formative years.
This led him to recognize a recurring theme in the lives of these young men: a lack of consistency and stability.
Determined to help, Houser began forming an idea that would ultimately blossom into Cafe Momentum — a fine dining restaurant and training academy designed specifically for troubled teens aged 15 to 19, providing them with a genuine pathway out of the juvenile justice system.
His then-business partner, Janice Provost, proposed a name for this ambitious concept: Café Momentum.
To kickstart the initiative, Houser organized pop-up events in 2011, enlisting the support of other Dallas chefs to raise funds.
The next year, he sold his stake in Parigi, the restaurant he co-owned with Provost, fully committing himself to Cafe Momentum.
Finally, in January 2015, Cafe Momentum opened its doors, ready to change lives.
The restaurant serves as a training ground where youth can participate in a paid 12-month program. They gain crucial hospitality skills ranging from food preparation to table service.
In addition, the program emphasizes life skills education, encompassing financial literacy, conflict resolution, and parenting.
To support the youth, 24/7 caseworkers are present and mental health counseling services are available.
Adjacent to the restaurant, a community space acts as a safe haven for these individuals to spend time, promoting positive engagement.
Participants are also required to maintain school attendance or pursue a GED. This led to the establishment of an on-site learning academy tailored for those who struggle in a traditional high school environment.
The first graduating class from this learning academy was celebrated in 2019, symbolizing a significant achievement for the program.
So far, over 1,200 young men and women have benefitted from Cafe Momentum, with a mission that transcends merely preparing them for roles within the restaurant industry.
Instead, the focus is on empowering these youth to realize their full potential in all facets of life and career.
Chad Houser’s unwavering commitment to this cause has garnered him notable recognition, including being named a CNN Hero in 2018.
“As an organization, we were all very proud,” Houser shared, reflecting on the honor, “It was really special to be recognized on a national stage and raise greater awareness around the lives of justice-involved youth.”
This past June, Houser attained another prestigious accolade by being named the James Beard Humanitarian of the Year.
Recognized as the ‘Oscars of the food world’, the James Beard Awards are among the highest honors for culinary professionals in the United States.
This accolade positions Houser alongside humanitarian leaders like Jose Andres from World Central Kitchen.
When asked about the experience of gaining national recognition, Houser chuckled, sharing a recent dinner anecdote where his wife mentioned encountering two individuals who recognized him.
“Impostor syndrome is real,” he admitted, adding that his five-year-old son keeps him grounded amidst the accolades.
Looking ahead, the timing of the James Beard Award for Cafe Momentum could not be more fortuitous.
The restaurant is currently in the midst of a $10 million capital campaign aimed at building a new location in Dallas set to open in 2026.
With a generous land donation from The Meadows Foundation, Cafe Momentum will be relocating to the Wilson Historic District, positioned just east of downtown Dallas.
This new site promises to relieve the financial burden of lease payments while granting interns and their families access to a wealth of resources related to arts, education, and health.
The new venue will also boast increased event space, allowing Cafe Momentum to serve as a national training hub for organizations interested in supporting disenfranchised youth.
Interest in Cafe Momentum has stretched beyond Dallas, with locations already open in Pittsburgh and Atlanta, while Denver is set to break ground next year.
Additionally, exploratory discussions are underway for potential locations in Baltimore and Houston.
Locally, Dallas patrons have embraced the flagship restaurant since its inception.
Open three nights a week from Thursday to Saturday, Cafe Momentum offers a seasonally inspired New American menu, coupled with exceptional service delivered with enthusiasm.
The restaurants also thrive on catering projects and special events that fill their calendar, showcasing the talent of its participating youth.
Reflecting on the early skepticism surrounding the project, Houser shares stories of doubt from community members who questioned the potential of the youth involved.
“When we first started talking about opening Cafe Momentum in Dallas, people said, ‘What are you going to do when the kids start stabbing each other in the kitchen? They don’t want to work. They just want a check. They can’t cook your food,’” he recalls.
However, he expresses hope that perceptions are beginning to change, and that the narrative surrounding these young individuals is shifting toward one of truth and support.
“I hope we have reached a turning point on this trajectory, and people will see the truth of the kids and not the stereotype, the false narrative. Time will tell. [But] that’s my hope — that the corner’s been turned and people will just focus on supporting the kids.”
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