The concept has remained the same: a fine-dining restaurant that employs young men and women who have spent time in the juvenile justice system, providing them with an opportunity to transform their lives. Since its founding, Café Momentum has employed over 1,200 people through its programs. This year, the James Beard Awards recognized Houser’s mission, announcing him as the winner of the James Beard Humanitarian Of The Year Award.
“For a young person in our program, coming to Café Momentum is significant," he said after accepting the award. "It’s their opportunity to be in their own space every day, full of people who come from neighborhoods far and wide. It’s in these moments that our kids begin to feel part of a larger community, with a robust network, greater resources and more opportunity. It also means in these moments that our guests get to see our kids walk in their greatness.”
Next month, Café Momentum will present its annual celebratory event, Momentum Live! Set for September 18, the event will come with a four-course dinner prepared by the restaurant’s staff plus live music entertainment.
Get Tickets
This year’s event has even more reason to celebrate. It will mark the 10-year anniversary of Café Momentum and the Momentum Live! event and will coincide with the annual North Texas Giving Day, which raises money for local nonprofit organizations all over the community. Donations opened for Café Momentum on the NTGD website earlier this month and have already raised $277,491 of its $350,000 goal through just 247 donors. This year, the restaurant is requesting support for a paid Café Momentum internship, where justice-involved teens will work and learn about the restaurant business firsthand.
Tickets to the 10th Momentum Live! are available online, priced individually at $125 with the option to purchase table sponsorships. Complimentary valet is available on-site.
