Cafe Momentum Dallas

06/01/2026

Here’s your dose of !

Nigel continues to show growth and determination in his role as a busser. Each shift, he has been challenged to improve in new areas, and he consistently rises to the occasion. He remained open, engaged and actively involved during training, showing a willingness to learn and a strong commitment to becoming better at his craft.

Bursey was everywhere in the back of house this week, making an impact wherever she stepped in. From helping cook family meal to teaching other interns and supporting multiple stations, she showed tremendous leadership and versatility. Her willingness to help wherever needed and her strong work ethic continue to make her an invaluable part of the team.

We have some pretty incredible interns. Help us celebrate them!

05/31/2026

While we’re celebrating…

Different from Café Momentum Academy graduation, our interns also present a capstone presentation when they complete our paid internship program (approximately 12 months). This is the culmination of the Four Tiers of Success our interns progress through, a testament to their dedication to creating change.

Friday, two of our exceptional interns presented what they have learned, how they have changed and the moments that made a difference. We might have cried a little. Their growth and evolution mean everything to us, and to hear it from their perspective, from their mouths, to know that what we are doing is working…it’s priceless.

Anton and My’Kael, you have put in the work and created futures for yourselves that nobody can take away from you. Thank you for sharing your journeys with us. You can always come home and visit.

05/31/2026

When the dream becomes reality.

Congratulations to our Café Momentum Academy Spring 2026 graduates. Today, we celebrate more than high school diplomas.

To our CM Academy students: you didn’t just finish high school. You proved that your story doesn’t end where a system, a narrative tried to stop it. You showed up when life made it hard. You pushed through when traditional paths closed. You crossed the finish line, and as Chad said at graduation this morning, nobody can take that away from you.

To everyone who has walked alongside our interns, in this case our students: thank you. This is your win too.

Spring class of 2026, we couldn’t be more proud. Step into your greatness. Be incredible. Never give up.

05/28/2026

We can make you a dessert person. 😋

Chef Meriel’s almond-sponge layer cake with mascarpone cream, pink peppercorn gelée and white balsamic strawberries is the perfect fusion of flavor and texture.

Make sure to save room for something sweet after dinner.

05/22/2026

Our chefs are pretty incredible. They model something extremely important for our youth: taking ownership of something, in this case a dish, perfecting it and being proud of what they have created.

We show up every day at Café Momentum with the renewed commitment to make delicious, award-winning food, and teach our youth to do the same.

Come by for dinner tonight. The experience speaks for itself.

05/18/2026

is on deck!

Anton once again proved why he is such a dependable presence at Café Momentum. During a week of station transitions and a demanding 300-person catering, he stepped up wherever needed with professionalism and consistency. He handled every responsibility with a positive attitude, supported both staff and peers and continued to lead through action. Anton’s ability to stay composed, flexible and team-oriented makes him an example for others to follow.

Kavion showed tremendous growth and maturity this week. During the 300-person catering, he stayed focused, listened closely to instruction and helped keep service moving efficiently under pressure. His eagerness to learn, calm demeanor and willingness to be coached continue to stand out. Kavion has embraced the challenge of improving himself, and it is showing more and more in both his work ethic and attitude.

We are so incredibly proud of our two Interns of the Week!

05/16/2026

Two questions for our :

1. Are you coming to dinner tonight?
2. We are considering running back squash blossoms one more time for the summer menu… should we?

It’s a beautiful day to in Dallas!

See you at the table. 🍽️

05/15/2026

An evening where every plate tells a story and every guest feels like family. 🍽️

Join Tamela Davis for An Evening with Tamela — a one-of-a-kind Living Room Experience at Café Momentum on Friday, June 19. Expect Southern comfort food, heartfelt stories and the kind of hospitality that makes you never want to leave the table.

Tickets are limited. This is one night you don’t want to miss. 🔗 Ticket link in comments!

05/14/2026

Thursdays are for steak frites. Who says we have to wait for the weekend for the good things?

See you for dinner, Dallas!

05/11/2026

When the perfect collaboration brings a dream to life, and to the table.

We had the honor of catering Dallas Children’s Theater’s Enchantment Gala on Friday. From a crudité “lawn” to smoked trout caviar blinis and a cotton candy foie gras torchon, The Secret Garden theme gave our team a canvas that fostered true culinary artistry. Pair that with the perfect backdrop by , and you have a perfectly magical evening.

We are grateful to DCT, their phenomenal team and to everyone who came out to support the work they do for young people in Dallas. This is what community looks like.

Real talk best part of the night? Watching our interns take over karaoke, full commitment, zero hesitation. (See for yourself in our stories)

Thank you, Dallas.

05/07/2026

Attention, Dallas! Byron has an important message for you.

Due to a special event and private dinners, Café Momentum Dallas is closed this weekend. again with us next week!

05/06/2026

Anton continues to be a reliable and steady presence in the front of house. He approaches every shift with professionalism, a positive attitude, and a willingness to help wherever needed. Whether assisting guests or supporting teammates, he consistently steps up. His versatility, leadership and strong work ethic make a lasting impact on the team.

Raven had a strong week in the back of house, showing focus, consistency and a readiness to learn. She stayed engaged in her station, completed tasks thoroughly and maintained a positive attitude throughout service. Her willingness to help wherever needed and commitment to growth make her a valuable part of the kitchen team.

Congratulations to you both!

04/30/2026

“Not an offense, not a past…I get to see a person. And now I want more of the world to see people.”

This April, in honor of Second Chance Month, we were invited to gather with some of the most powerful voices in reentry reform at the Huddle Second Chance Impact Summit: Rebounding to Promise — Pathways to Successful Reentry.

Dr. Porshia Haymon, our Chief Program Officer, reminded us what’s really at the heart of this work: seeing people. Fully. Without the weight of what came before.

Thank you for taking the time this month to be a part of a second chance, a new future. We are better together.

04/30/2026

We have big plans on the horizon! Stay tuned!

For over a decade, Cafe Momentum has served as more than just an acclaimed culinary destination in downtown Dallas; it has been a catalyst for kids impacted by the juvenile justice system.

04/29/2026

The food speaks for itself, but the people behind it? They make it unforgettable.

We’re honored to be named one of Dallas Observer’s Top 50 Restaurants in Dallas Right Now. This recognition belongs to every talented chef committed to our youth and to the young people choosing to step into their greatness.

Dinner is served Thursday-Saturday, 5:30-9:30PM. Come hungry, leave inspired. 🍽️

04/23/2026

The weekend starts on Thursday in Dallas, and there’s no better way to ring it in than with our new seasonal special!

STEAK & OYSTER TARTARE

East Coast oysters & filet mignon tartare with shallot, dijon mustard and horseradish

This dish is as delectable as it looks. Come try for yourself tonight!

04/22/2026

This is what Second Chance Month looks like.

When Byron began his paid internship at Café Momentum he was quiet and reserved, but through time, commitment and the belief of those around him, he found his voice. Seeing him step in front of the camera on WFAA Good Morning Texas alongside Dr. Porshia Haymon to represent the mission? That’s the work.

Every young person we serve carries that same potential. Our job is simply to make sure they have the space, support, resources and opportunity to let it shine.

This is why Second Chance month is so important. It’s our reminder that stories don’t end because of missteps. They are rewritten.

To see Byron’s full feature, check the link in our stories.

04/21/2026

“No one has really ever been able to define themselves and their music like singer-songwriter Alejandro Escovedo does. His life in music of all kinds sometimes feels like a swirl through the sky, where his songs point out all the majesty and mystery of how he sees the world. The sounds he makes take him places that he might not even predict, but once there, greatness always follows. It just the way Escovedo is. It has happened over and over for decades, almost like a fateful agreement he has with the cosmos. There is a good chance it cannot be explained, especially by him.”

Join us August 2nd for a Sunday Supper Concert Series you don’t want to miss. We will with our signature three-course meal inspired by Alejandro himself and libations aplenty.

Tickets go on sale at 9am Friday, April 24th via . Don’t sleep on this one- it will sell out quickly!

04/18/2026

It’s the perfect weather for our black pepper tofu with mushroom broth. 🍲 And that table-side presentation? Chef’s kiss.

Dinner tonight, Dallas? Serving up comfort one dish at a time!

04/16/2026

Mo’ Mac and Cheese.

Only problem? Deciding whether to share.

Come get your fix. 🍽️

04/14/2026

Today we celebrate ten incredible years of leadership, heart and unwavering commitment.

Over the past decade, our Executive Director, Margaret Windham has helped shape Café Momentum into what it is today—not just through strategic vision and operational excellence, but through something far more powerful: the way she shows up for our young people every single day and for our Café Momentum staff.

She leads with compassion. She sees each of our interns as whole individuals—worthy of kindness, respect, guidance and opportunity. And in a world where that level of empathy can be rare, she offers it freely and consistently, changing lives in ways that can’t always be measured, but are deeply felt.

Her belief in our mission—and in our youth—has strengthened this organization from the inside out. Because of her, Café Momentum is not just a place of learning, but a place of belonging, growth and hope, both here in Dallas and BEYOND.

Thank you for ten years of impact, integrity and care. We are so grateful—and so much better—because of you. Happy 10 years of excellence. 🥂

04/09/2026

Spring has arrived in the kitchen, and with it, a menu that feels as vibrant and alive as the season itself. Our chefs and interns have been busy crafting dishes that celebrate fresh ingredients, bold flavors and a spirit of creativity—and we can’t wait for you to experience it.

This season, we’re especially excited about standouts like our rich, comforting duck confit cavatelli and the striking steak and oyster tartare—a dish that’s equal parts indulgent and unexpected. Each plate tells a story of technique, curiosity and the talent of the team behind it.

Make your reservation today and experience these delectable dishes and so much more!

04/07/2026

Step into the wild with us. 🍷

On April 15, join Café Momentum Dallas for WILD—an unforgettable wine dinner celebrating bold flavors, rustic elegance and the untamed spirit of Paso Robles. Chef de Cuisine Aaron Collins has crafted a one-night-only seasonal menu, each course thoughtfully paired with the acclaimed wines of Austin Hope Winery.

From crawfish & spring onion rillettes to coffee-brined elk loin and a sweet Texas strawberry finish—this is a dining experience designed to surprise, delight and transport. (Check out some past wine dinner favorites by swiping left!)

An intimate evening of storytelling, exploration and purpose—all in support of our mission to empower justice-involved youth.

Seats are limited. Reserve your place at the table.

04/06/2026

When you change the way you look at things, what you are looking at also changes.

We show our interns a different way to look at life, to look at themselves - to truly believe that they deserve everything the world has to offer, a real second chance. It’s not always an easy task. Sometimes the hardest second chance is the one you choose to give yourself.

Our commitment this Second Chance Month and every day after, is to build momentum, provide vital resources and an ecosystem of support, so that our interns can create real change. It starts with them seeing a future for themselves. It starts with us seeing that for them too.

You can support second chances by donating directly to Café Momentum Dallas or stopping by the restaurant for dinner Thursday-Saturday. We’ll set a place for you.

04/03/2026

First tastes, big moments.

Our interns are the first to experience our seasonal dishes - learning flavors, techniques and the stories behind why our chefs choose certain ingredients.

What you can’t see here: our chefs also at the table, watching closely and celebrating every reaction. If you’ve ever cooked for a teenager, you already know.

Come be a part of it all. Join us for dinner this weekend and enjoy our new spring menu. You might just get a story or two yourself. 🍽️