With its lease ending in a few months, Mèo owner Man Dao announced on Monday that he made the “bittersweet decision” to close the restaurant and focus on transitioning the main brand, Wokker, to a new home.
“This journey has been a deeply personal one. We are incredibly thankful for every guest who sought out our hidden door and every team member who helped us bring this vision to life. Together, we explored the richness of our Vietnamese culture through flavors and community, and we couldn’t have asked for a better audience to share that with,” Mèo’s statement read.
“While there are no concrete plans for Mèo’s future just yet, this concept remains near and dear to our hearts. We’re keeping the door cracked for whatever might come next.”
Chron has reached out to Dao for more information about Wokker’s relocation plans. We will update the story if we hear back.
Dao launched Wokker as a food truck in 2014. He opened the brick-and-mortar location along Airline Drive in the Greater Heights area in 2021. But it wasn’t long before Dao realized the space was too big and built Mèo inside—a hideout with a doorbell tucked behind a framed picture of a cat.
“We want Mèo to be an experience from the moment you lift the cat frame at the front door, as if you’re being transported into another world,” Dao told the Houston Chronicle in 2023. “We want it to be somewhere someone can escape to—a spot to enjoy a thoughtfully curated food and drink menu and great hospitality, but not feel like you need a special night to do so.”
Mèo’s 1,500-square-foot space was designed to be a “Vietnamese speakeasy.” With room for 50 guests, the restaurant offered for sake, wine, beer, handcrafted cocktails and a full menu. Its last day of business was Monday, May 12.