Chad Houser Named 2025 James Beard Humanitarian of the Year

We are proud to share that Chad Houser, founder and CEO of Café Momentum, has been named the 2025 James Beard Humanitarian of the Year.

This honor from the James Beard Foundation recognizes individuals or organizations within the food industry who have demonstrated exceptional selflessness and dedication to improving the lives of others and society as a whole. The award celebrates those who have made a significant positive impact on the food world and beyond.

This award reflects over a decade of work centered on one belief: All youth deserve to dream. Under his leadership, Café Momentum has created a model that combines culinary excellence with holistic support for justice-involved youth, equipping them with life skills, education, and employment opportunities to achieve their full potential.

Since opening Café Momentum in Dallas, Chad’s vision has expanded beyond one restaurant. Today, Café Momentum is creating lasting change for young people in Dallas, Atlanta, Pittsburgh and Denver, with new cities on the horizon, including Baltimore and Houston.

We are deeply grateful to the James Beard Foundation for recognizing Chad’s leadership and Café Momentum’s impact. This award is a powerful proof of concept for our work and a testament to what is possible when communities believe in young people and invest in their futures.

We share this honor with every intern, team member, partner and supporter who has helped build Café Momentum into what it is today. Together, we are proving that youth can and will thrive when given the opportunity.

Congratulations, Chad!

Eat. Drink. Change Lives.