Houston's Traveler's Table breaks silence after restaurant owners' deaths

The team behind Houston's Traveler's Table and Traveler's Cart have broken their silence following the deaths of its owners amid an ongoing murder-suicide investigation in the River Oaks neighborhood.

Wednesday morning, Matthew and Thy Mitchell's restaurants shared a joint statement on social media following reports the couple and their two young children were found shot and killed at their home along Kingston Street.

"As Traveler's Table and Traveler's Cart remain open for business, we want to thank our loyal staff, who have shown up and worked through these difficult circumstances, ensuring that we continue to serve our community. We are asking for unity and respect for our privacy as we navigate this immense loss. Hospitality comes from within, and to honor the Traveler's Legacy, we will continue to welcome you into our restaurants."

Houston Police investigators have not identified the victims in the case, but condolences have continued to pour in online from the Mitchells' loved ones, close friends, and acquaintances. Thy's sister, Ly Mai, was among them.

"We are heartbroken to share that my sister, Thy, and her beloved children, Maya and Max, passed away last night," Mai wrote Tuesday morning. "Our family is grieving deeply and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult time. Funeral arrangements will be shared when they are available. Thank you for your understanding and support."

Brittany Meisner, owner and president of South House—the public relations agency that represents both Traveler's concepts, also shared a heartfelt social media post saying that they are "completely devastated and heartbroken a million times over again" over the loss of their client but also great friend.

"If there was one thing about Thy, it’s that she was always on her own journey—always looking for the next adventure, and we had a blast doing it together. She will be dearly missed by many, including our team, who’s had the privilege of telling her story the last few years," Meisner wrote in part.

"I will cherish these memories of her and hold on to my faith when nothing makes sense. Young and innocent lives gone from this world way too soon."

Emily Williams Knight, president & CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association, issued a statement honoring Thy's memory.

"We stand with the Greater Houston hospitality community as we try to process the horrific deaths of Thy Mitchell and her family. To say that Thy will be missed is an understatement. She served on the board of the Greater Houston Chapter of the TRA, and she was selected by her peers to represent the chapter as Greater Houston Restaurateur of the Year for 2025. We will remember Thy as a ray of light who inspired everyone around her. Our leaders in Houston have reached out to the team at Traveler’s Table and Traveler’s Cart, and we stand ready to help in any way that we can. We also want to encourage anyone who needs assistance processing this tragedy to ask for help," she said in part.

"In moments like this, we are reminded that our industry is more than workplaces—it is a community. May we all honor Thy’s memory by continuing to show up for each other with compassion and care."

Even offline, tributes have been set up in front of the family's home along home along Kingston Street with several bundles of flowers and photos.