By: Beth Hobson

The How U Doin Foundation in Northlake is building a clubhouse. The building will consist of nearly 5,000 square feet indoors, and 4,800 square feet of outdoor space. It is set to open its doors sometime during the summer of 2026.

This year it crossed its first milestone of $100,000 and is now racing forward to its next goal of $250,000 by the end of 2025, and $500,000 by Memorial Day 2026. Each landmark that it passes helps the foundation trek closer to its vision of opening the first of its kind space where teens can find connection, mental health support, and solutions to escape substance misuse.

The idea to “come for a slice and stay for the solution,” is a throwback to the Foundation’s creator, Eddie Fischer’s upbringing in New Jersey. Eddie is from Sayreville, a working-class borough located about ten minutes outside of the city of New Brunswick, where the community was built around family, faith, and local pizza joints.

“How U Doin?” Eddie says as he makes his way in my direction with a contagious smile on his face. After greeting him in return, we sit down inside of Goodies on Commerce, a casual dining spot in Gainesville. The colloquial phrase has been with Eddie for years — more than a greeting, it has become a three-word revolution, for him, and is part of a mission that is now taking shape in north Texas.

As Eddie begins to fill me in, it’s clear that this is not just a mission, but it’s a mission in motion.

The Clubhouse, the name that he has decided on, will feature three main anchors.

The first, a pizza kitchen, where teens can learn the art of dough fermentation, experiment with various toppings, and alongside Eddie, and other teens they will have the opportunity to learn all about the craft of making the perfect slice of pie. Visiting chefs and mentors from near and far, will also swing by and help guide them in a hands-on environment that is equal parts therapeutic, creative, and fun. From pizza makers and authors to entrepreneurs and influencers The Clubhouse will give teens exposure to voices and role models they might not otherwise have access to. Beyond serving teens, the kitchen will also be open to the community for rental, where the funds will help generate revenue to support the foundation’s mission.

Second, a podcast studio, will be built inside of the building to help empower teens and give them the opportunity to develop and launch their own shows, explore creative topics that matter to them, and build their confidence behind the microphone. For those individuals that are not interested in hosting, the studio will also be equipped with studio quality editing and production equipment so that they too are able to build their skills and confidence. Whether they are creating reels, YouTube videos, or stories that are meant to just simply entertain their friends and family members, this studio will have it all. It too will be available for use from the community to help generate income and highlight the importance of adaptability.

Finally, a quiet room. The quiet room will be intentionally designed as an electronic free zone where the teens will be able to: relax, retreat, and reset away from all the noise in their daily lives. The air will be filled with lavender essential oils, and a variety of different meditation techniques will be offered.

Eddie’s vision for The Clubhouse will also include movie nights that will consist of great popcorn to go with a great movie, a safe space for the completion of homework, and even the possibility of a small coffee shop.

The 4,800 square foot outdoor area will add room for activities, events, and community gatherings that extend the energy beyond the walls.

The Clubhouse will be open six days a week with extended hours on Friday and Saturday. This late-night access was a request from teens themselves who wanted a safe, and fun alternative to parties, or places that would create trouble for them. It’s just one of many ways that the Foundation is listening directly to young people and helping them create solutions.

While teens are at the heart of the mission, the Foundation is also intentional about supporting families. Parents, grandparents, and caregivers will also have opportunities for family nights, parent date nights, and daytime workshops while kids are in school — making the most of every aspect of The Clubhouse.

“Everything at The Clubhouse is built around the four core elements: fun, connection, discovery, and direction. Each element flows into the next creating a circle of growth and the ability for teens to find their purpose in life,” says Eddie with an excited tone of voice before he pauses briefly as his smile grows.  

“We are building a Clubhouse,” Eddie repeats one more time, this time with even more feeling. It’s beyond clear that his mission in motion, isn’t just a mission for teens, but it’s one that he truly believes can, and will help strengthen the ties within a community.

“We are so thankful for our wonderful community here in north Texas, we can’t wait for them to experience our mission in motion.”

If you or your friends, or family would love to get involved with The Clubhouse, have a chat with Eddie about all the upcoming events to help fund The How U Doin Foundation, or buy some merchandise that helps directly support this mission in motion, get involved at https://www.HowUDoin.org.