Traveler’s Table says it will remain open after the deaths of owners Matthew and Thy Mitchell and their two children in Houston.
HOUSTON — Houston restaurant Traveler’s Table says it will remain open following the deaths of owners Matthew and Thy Mitchell and their two young children, while asking the community for “unity and respect” as staff members navigate what it called an “immense loss.”
The statement, shared on the restaurant’s Facebook page, comes as the Houston community continues mourning the family following an apparent murder-suicide in the River Oaks area.
Restaurant shares statement after tragedy
In its social media post, Traveler’s Table thanked employees who have continued reporting to work following the tragedy.
“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,” the post said.
The restaurant also asked for privacy while emphasizing its desire to continue serving customers.
“We are asking for unity and respect for our privacy as we navigate this immense loss,” the statement continued. “Hospitality comes from within, and to honor the Traveler’s Legacy, we will continue to welcome you into our restaurants.”
Family’s deaths shocked Houston community
Investigators said Houston police were called to a home on Kingston Street near Avalon Place around 5:30 p.m. Monday for a welfare check after concerns were raised by the family’s babysitter and one of the victims’ sisters.
Investigators said officers entered the home and found four family members dead.
Police identified the victims as Matthew Mitchell, 52, Thy Mitchell, 39, and the couple’s two children, ages 8 and 4. Investigators said all four appeared to have been shot to death.
Authorities said evidence at the scene indicates Matthew Mitchell shot the three victims before shooting himself.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Couple known in Houston restaurant community
Matthew and Thy Mitchell were well-known in Houston’s restaurant scene through Traveler’s Table and Traveler’s Cart.
According to the Traveler’s Table website, Matthew Mitchell studied in France, Italy and England before working as a writer and journalist in London, Paris and New York City. After later working in the pharmaceutical industry, he opened Traveler’s Table in Houston.
The restaurant website says Thy Mitchell grew up in Houston and spent weekends working at her family’s Vietnamese restaurant before earning degrees from the University of Houston and Penn State University.
Friends and colleagues have also remembered Thy Mitchell for her work in Houston’s fashion community after launching a clothing line in 2023.
“She was amazing to work with and had a vision,” Gloria Benedict previously told KHOU 11. “I admired her intelligence, creativity and honesty. She had a fun side. I will miss that.”
In another social media message shared earlier this week, Thy Mitchell’s sister said the family is “heartbroken and grieving deeply” and asked for privacy.
Resources for suicide prevention
Suicide prevention starts with recognizing the warning signs of suicide and taking them seriously. Talking openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a life.
If you or anyone you know is in need of help, you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 800-273-TALK (8255). You can also text the lifeline at 741741 or chat online here.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States.
You can also reach out to UT Physicians here.
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