All across the country, people ask themselves a series of questions as they make dinner plans.

“Should I get Italian food? Or Mexican food?”

“Can I make a reservation for this restaurant online?”

“Do I feel like grabbing something to-go? Or, should I dine in?”

But, what would happen if people asked themselves this question instead?

“How can my dinner choice help someone get a second chance today?”

In Dallas, Texas, Café Momemtum answers this question. As a nonprofit led by Executive Director and Chef Chad Houser, Café Momentum’s mission is to transform young lives by equipping at-risk youth with life skills, education and employment opportunities to help them achieve their full potential. To accomplish this mission, Café Momentum works with the Dallas County Juvenile Justice Department to link incarcerated youth at high-risk of re-offending to an paid culinary training intersnhip. Through the internship, the youth learn about each aspect of restaurant operations while serving the larger Dallas community at dinner time.

Since opening in January with 50 interns, Café Momentum has been a success. Locally, Yelp reviewers note that the combination of affordable, upscale food with a social mission make the restaurant a highlight in Dallas’s dining scene. Food critics agree, as Café Momentum was named the “Best New Restaurant” in Dallas for 2015.

Nationally, Cafe Momentum’s model has drawn attention from a wide range of outlets including The Chew, ABC’s daytime food and lifestyle show. In addition, Cafe Momentum is a Youth Opportunity Fund grant recipient. Awarded by the Citi Foundation and America’s Promise Alliance, the $250,000 grant will allow Cafe Momentum to provide internships to 250 youth over the next year. With this, and other forms of support, Cafe Momentum is well on its way to providing a dining experience that changes the lives of countless youth throughout the years to come.