Cafe Momentum
Restaurant · Downtown ·
New American nonprofit restaurant training at-risk youth
![Cafe Momentum by Cafe Momentum [Official Photo]](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/c5svLolXzANBnarJCECT7vWHIpM=/0x0:1024x683/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1024x683):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22007999/Cafe_Momentum_Super_Bowl.jpg "Cafe Momentum by Cafe Momentum [Official Photo]")
![Cafe Momentum by Cafe Momentum [Official Photo]](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/J8frM3dXQI1CNMF6hpm2dlf937g=/0x0:1024x683/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1024x683):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22008000/Chad_Houser.jpg "Cafe Momentum by Cafe Momentum [Official Photo]")
![Cafe Momentum by Cafe Momentum [Official Photo]](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/s91L93b-fKjzd3NyOz0ARkzc-Bw=/0x0:5337x3563/1200x675/filters:focal(2243x1356:3095x2208)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67760605/Cafe_Momentum__09_of_33_.0.jpg "Cafe Momentum by Cafe Momentum [Official Photo]")
New American nonprofit restaurant training at-risk youth
"The chef associated with this nonprofit-driven restaurant, Chad Houser, was honored as the Humanitarian of the Year in the 2025 James Beard Awards, a significant recognition tied to the establishment's community-focused work." - Courtney E. Smith
"Led by Chad Houser since it opened in 2014 (after beginning as pop-ups), this program-driven restaurant serves the community by hiring young people impacted by the justice system and is planning expanded outreach and a new flagship location." - Courtney E. Smith
"“Eat, drink, and change lives” is the motto of this nonprofit eatery, primarily staffed by at-risk youth seeking a culinary education as they prepare Southern plates full of smoked fried chicken and roasted cabbage, among other compelling dishes. Led by chef Chad Houser, the menu at Cafe Momentum promises surprisingly fresh takes on many familiar dishes. The bright dining room has a Scandinavian design, with light wood tables and modern fixtures — the focus of the room is the open kitchen and pass. This location is in an awkward part of Downtown that can be hard to navigate — trust Google Maps. There is no dedicated parking, so find a nearby paid lot or garage." - Courtney E. Smith
"A Dallas restaurant that doubles as a nonprofit teaching at-risk youth culinary skills is expanding with a new flagship “learning location” in the Wilson Historic District (3001 Greenwood Street) in Old East Dallas, not far from its Downtown location. The new hub is expected to “provide interns with expanded resources, including mental health services, educational support, and workforce training,” according to a press release. Dallas nonprofit Meadows Foundation donated the land for the property. The campus aims to become a national hub and model for youth justice reform, furthering the mission to provide job training to formerly incarcerated youths, and is expected to open in the first quarter of 2026. The organization is also described as an amazing award-winning New American restaurant housed in a minimal yet colorful Downtown Dallas space." - Courtney E. Smith
"Order a turkey dinner for four from the cafe that’s helping kids learn a trade. It includes a sweet tea brined turkey breast, Texas Fungus mushroom gravy, sausage and apple dressing, CM biscuits, a choice of three sides, a choice of bourbon pecan or pumpkin pie, and the option to add a bottle of wine. That’s all $145, with additional add-ons available. Order online now for pickup on November 22." - Courtney E. Smith