Café Momentum Atlanta’s grand opening on March 27 wasn’t just the start of a new five-star restaurant — it was the latest step in a nationwide movement to help young people who have experienced the justice system.
Café Momentum’s story began in Dallas in 2015, when Chef Chad Houser imagined a world where justice-involved youth could thrive and founded a restaurant that would empower them through training in culinary and life skills.
Today, the nonprofit has restaurants in three cities — Dallas, Pittsburgh, and Atlanta, with more locations planned. On April 2, the James Beard Foundation named Houser its 2025 Humanitarian of the Year. The annual award is given to individuals and organizations within the food world who have worked to improve society and the lives of others. With its brand growing nationwide, Café Momentum’s work changing lives has the power to transform our country’s approach to juvenile justice.
Here’s how Café Momentum Atlanta’s launch unfolded:
City officials, business leaders, community partners, and Café Momentum staff and interns gathered at the restaurant’s ribbon-cutting ceremony. Per Georgia’s Department of Juvenile Justice, over 52,000 youth are incarcerated or on probation statewide each year. That statistic is a reminder of Café Momentum’s purpose.
Café Momentum believes that someone’s past mistakes don’t limit their potential. Instead, the nonprofit focuses on providing youth with support and opportunities so they can self-actualize. Given that many justice-involved youth have never received a real “first chance,” this idea is life-changing. Café Momentum hopes that inspiration, mentorship, and training can help these individuals become their best selves while supporting the same growth in others.
The speakers at Café Momentum Atlanta’s opening included:
- Chad Houser, Café Momentum’s founder CEO
- Clark Dean, the chair of Café Momentum Atlanta’s board of directors
- Benjamin Wills, Café Momentum Atlanta’s executive director (pictured above)
- Cathy Smith-Curry, director of the Juvenile Justice Department’s Office of Reentry Services
- Kelsey Maynor, who represented the mayor of Atlanta’s office
Other guests included city officials, business leaders, community partners, and Café Momentum staff and interns:
- Scott Brown, a member of Café Momentum Atlanta’s board and the senior executive director, community affairs at Georgia-Pacific
- Christian Fischer, the CEO of Georgia-Pacific and a Café Momentum Atlanta board member
- Evan Feinberg, senior vice president at Stand Together and chairman of Stand Together Foundation
The guests demonstrated the importance of collaboration and a shared commitment to improving Atlanta.
Café Momentum’s partnership with the Stand Together community is founded on a shared belief in the dignity and potential of justice-involved youth and the goal of scaling the restaurant’s model for social change nationwide.
Before Café Momentum Atlanta’s first dinner, Clarence Griffin, the restaurant’s general manager, had a shift meeting with its first cohort of 11 interns.
Through staff like Griffin, the interns will not only learn the restaurant industry’s ins and outs but also interpersonal skills and other tools that will serve them during their 12-month internships and beyond.
Stay up to date
Chef Josh Lee guided the interns during the restaurant’s debut, providing encouragement and helping them build their confidence and skills.
A line cook also flambéed entrées for guests.
At every Café Momentum, each intern’s role continuously evolves through the program’s tiers of success, motivating and inspiring them as they cycle through each of their restaurant’s roles.
The meal left many guests beaming. After dinner, Wills and Dr. Porshia Haymon, Café Momentum’s chief program officer, were among those smiling in a group photo. Haymon has a doctorate in clinical psychology.
Many members of the local community also attended Café Momentum Atlanta’s grand opening.
Beyond Atlanta, Café Momentum isn’t stopping: It currently has launch committees working on sites in Denver, Baltimore, and Houston.
Delicious food and drinks are among the ingredients behind Café Momentum’s success. The real secret sauce? The restaurant’s philosophy that providing young people with support and opportunities will empower them to thrive.
Interested in trying Café Momentum - Atlanta? Reserve a table here.
Café Momentum is supported by Stand Together Foundation, which empowers individuals to reach their full potential through community-driven change.
Learn more about Stand Together’s efforts to build strong and safe communities and explore ways you can partner with us.
In Conversation: How Army of Normal Folks helped turn a national bed build into local contribution
Our Take: What a customer-first mindset can teach nonprofits
At this nonprofit for veterans, feedback is key to decision-making.
