Matthew and Thy Mitchell, the couple behind popular Houston restaurants Traveler’s Table and Traveler’s Cart, were found dead Monday inside their home by Houston police, according to multiple media outlets Tuesday. Thy’s death was confirmed by her sister on social media Tuesday morning. The bodies of two children, ages 8 and 4, were also found dead inside the home.
All were found dead with gunshot wounds. Police are investigating the incident as an apparent murder-suicide. Police said evidence at the scene indicates the suspect, a male, shot the three victims before turning the gun on himself.
Houstonians and those who follow the city’s restaurant and dining scene have known about the Mitchells since 2019, the year they opened Traveler’s Table at 520 Westheimer Rd. The restaurant was heavily inspired by their family’s travels around the world. The menus are bound in leather booklets and draw inspiration from every continent, including South America and Africa. They later opened another restaurant at 1401 Montrose Blvd. called Traveler’s Cart, which focuses on global street food.
Matthew attended Rice University for a time and was a former journalist and CEO of a pharmaceutical firm. Thy was a University of Houston alumna and worked in human resources for various companies, including Target, Hilton and Starbucks. Before opening Traveler’s Table, Matthew pursued a culinary degree from the now defunct Art Institute of Houston and worked as a line cook for Benjy’s and in the front of house at Local Foods.
Thy was fairly active on social media and was frequently spotted at various publicized events around town. She and I spoke in January about YouTube influencer and actress Liza Koshy’s visit to Traveler’s Table over the holidays. In February, she and Matthew became board members of the Texas Restaurant Association.
The news of the Mitchells’ deaths have generated outpourings of grief and sympathy on social media.
“Sharing this with a heavy heart. Not looking for questions or speculation…just hoping that we can all surround a dear old friend and her family with love, prayers, and positive energy during this time. Please keep their loved ones in your thoughts,” said Stevie Vu, director of operations at Asia Society Texas Center and founder of the Chow Down In Chinatown Facebook group.
“This is just horrible news for the Houston restaurant community… so very sad,” said Jonathan Horowitz, CEO and founder of Convive Hospitality Consulting.