Get Moving to Cafe Momentum

Downtown’s nonprofit eatery has relaunched with a new staff, menu and lunch hours.

When Cafe Momentum hired Fig & Ash owner Cory Hughes to serve as a culinary operations consultant last fall, it was supposed to be a temporary gig. But, he’s sticking around because he fell in love with the place.

I did, too. So will you.

After a brief closure, Downtown’s nonprofit, BYOB restaurant, which also serves as a training facility for justice-involved youth, relaunched last week with a new management team, a new menu and a renewed commitment to helping teens break the cycle of incarceration and move forward.

“That’s why we’re here, to transform the lives of young people,” Executive Director Cheyenne Tyler says.

For the first time since its debut in 2023, Cafe Momentum will offer lunch service from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Dinner hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Reservations are not required.

Robert “RC” Carter, who serves as chef de cuisine, makes approachable fare with gourmet flair, including pizza, the mac-and-cheese, baby back sticky ribs, vegan and gluten-free dishes, salads, sandwiches and a burger topped with short rib and bacon, herb sauce, white cheddar, caramelized onion and shredded lettuce.

During his 17 years at the Strip District’s now-closed Cioppino, he attracted a loyal following — and for good reason. The man works magic with potatoes, including the mashed and deep-fried varieties. On the day of my visit, Carter was making gnocchi while wearing a T-shirt proclaiming his love for tubers.

I need one in every color!

Texas chef Chad Houser launched the Cafe Momentum concept in 2015 after teaching kids at a local juvenile detention center how to make ice cream. Feeling inspired, he partnered with local justice departments and community partners and opened the flagship eatery in Dallas. There’s another Cafe Momentum in Atlanta and a Denver site is planned for 2026.

Two years ago, the Pittsburgh location opened on Forbes Avenue to pair good food and community service. During a 12-month paid internship, participants ages 15 to 19 learn every aspect of the restaurant business as well as general life skills.

They have access to financial literacy programs, resume workshops, mock interviews, mental health services and a donation closet filled with toiletries, clothing, baby formula, diapers and other essential items. You can help restock it through Cafe Momentum’s Amazon Wishlist.

Since 2023, more than 120 people have been through the program. There are now 30 active interns. Even if they don’t end up pursuing a culinary career, the education that interns receive at Cafe Momentum sets them up for success in any field.

Speaking of fields, a lot of local farmers and purveyors provide ingredients for the revamped menu, which is another reason it tastes so darn good. I can’t wait to go back for that burger and Belgian fries, even if I won’t have much momentum after such a decadent meal.

Full article: https://www.pittsburghmagazine.com/cafe-momentum-pgh/