Chad Houser

The Climb

Chad Houser trained at El Centro and Dallas College. Chad went on to work as co-owner at Parigi in Dallas (from 2008). Today, Chad is founder and CEO of Café Momentum (since 2015).

Today

As founder and CEO of Café Momentum, he also works there as Executive Chef. The menu gives a close read on his cooking style, with plates built from named ingredients rather than broad gestures. Ninny’s Salad combines fried okra, green onion, local tomato, southern vinaigrette, and scallion. Sweet-Tea-Brined Pork Chop comes with peach glaze, green beans, cannellini beans, and lima beans. Pan-Seared Scallops are plated with zucchini, squash, spring onions, lemon beurre blanc, and coffee-cured ham. He has also said, "For some of our kids, the fact that they keep showing up and are beginning to trust us is so monumentally significant."

Signature

Chad's signature dishes include Bison Pastrami, Ninny’s Salad, Sweet-Tea-Brined Pork Chop, and Pan-Seared Scallops.

In Their Words “For some of our kids, the fact that they keep showing up and are beginning to trust us is so monumentally significant.” “My family was steeped in Southern tradition and Sundays were always spent with them for Sunday supper. These meals taught me that breaking bread was about creating bonds.”

Recognition

Chad Houser has received James Beard Foundation Humanitarian of the Year Award (2025). Chad's honors include Humanitarian of the Year Award, Ten Outstanding Young Americans, and Edible Dallas/Fort Worth Local Hero – Chef (2011).