The James Beard Foundation has announced that Chad Houser, Founder and CEO of Café Momentum, has been named the 2025 Humanitarian of the Year. This prestigious recognition celebrates individuals or organizations in the food industry who have demonstrated a selfless commitment to improving the lives of others and contributing to society. Chad Houser has distinguished himself by blending fine dining with youth justice through Café Momentum, an innovative nonprofit restaurant that employs justice-involved youth, providing them with valuable skills and opportunities.
In 2012, Chad, who already had 17 years of experience in the culinary world—including co-owning a successful restaurant and being hailed as one of Dallas’s top up-and-coming chefs—embarked on a new mission to use his skills to make a broader social impact. After years of dedicated fundraising, he founded Café Momentum in 2015 in Dallas, and the initiative has since expanded to Pittsburgh and Atlanta, with plans to open in Denver in Q1 2026. His work has earned him national recognition, including being named a CNN Hero and one of Dallas’s 500 Best Business Leaders.
Café Momentum is transforming the lives of justice-involved youth aged 15-19 through its comprehensive internship program. This unique program combines culinary training with life skills development, mental health support, education, and job placement opportunities—all within the context of a fine-dining restaurant. Café Momentum’s ultimate goal is to expand nationwide, with plans to open 10 brick-and-mortar locations across the U.S. by 2035, and to establish a National Flagship location in 2026. The organization is working to reshape the way society supports youth, providing a framework for transformation and empowerment.
In response to receiving the Humanitarian of the Year award, Chad Houser shared his gratitude:
“It has been the honor of my life to work alongside more than 1,200 justice-involved youth who have transformed their lives with the support of Café Momentum. I am deeply grateful to the James Beard Foundation for recognizing this work and naming me the 2025 Humanitarian of the Year. This award reflects the power and potential of every young person when we believe in them. When we provide the tools, resources, and opportunities they deserve, they rise every single time. Together, we are proving that every young person deserves a seat at the table.”
Chad’s visionary work continues to inspire change, demonstrating the profound impact of combining community, mentorship, and opportunity.
