Prominent Houston restaurateur Matthew Mitchell, 52, his wife Thy Mitchell, 39, and their two young children, Maya, 8, and Max, 4, were found dead in their River Oaks home on Monday evening in what authorities have described as a tragic murder-suicide.
Welfare Check Leads to Discovery
The Houston Police Department responded to the residence at approximately 5:30 p.m. after a relative and a babysitter reported not hearing from the family since the previous night. Officers found all four family members deceased from gunshot wounds upon entering the home.
Evidence Points to Matthew Mitchell
According to a police statement, evidence at the scene indicated that Matthew Mitchell shot his wife and two children before turning the gun on himself. The medical examiner has not yet formally identified all victims, but Thy Mitchell's sister, Ly Mai, confirmed the deaths in a social media post, requesting privacy for the grieving family.
Well-Known Figures in Houston Hospitality
The Mitchells were founders and owners of Travelers Table, a celebrated restaurant known for globally inspired cuisine, and Traveler's Cart, which focused on international street food. Their success earned national recognition, including features on the Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" with Guy Fieri. One of their chefs also defeated celebrity chef Bobby Flay on "Beat Bobby Flay."
Background Before Restaurants
Before entering the restaurant industry, Matthew was a former journalist who worked in London, Paris, and New York, and later served as a pharmaceutical CEO after attending Rice University. Thy grew up in her family's Vietnamese restaurant business and held high-level HR leadership roles for several Fortune 500 hospitality and retail companies.
The couple's shared passion for food and global travel was the foundation of their business ventures and relationship. The Houston community and culinary world have expressed deep shock and sorrow as details of the tragedy continue to emerge.
