HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The tight-knit Houston restaurant community is in mourning following the shocking murder-suicide of a prominent local couple and their two young children.

The bodies of Thy Mitchell, her husband Matthew Mitchell, and their two children, ages 4 and 8, were discovered by Houston police during a welfare check on Monday evening at their home in the River Oaks area.

The Houston Police Department is calling Matthew, age 52, the suspect in the case.

The Mitchells were well-known figures in the city’s culinary landscape. Together, they owned and operated the popular eateries Traveler’s Table and Traveler’s Cart, along with a clothing brand.

Just last year, the Houston Chapter of the Texas Restaurant Association named them the 2025 Restaurateurs of the Year.

“She hosted the Houston Restaurant Association board meeting last week,” local Association President Craig Howard said. “Afterward, they had a social for us, and had 50 restaurateurs show up. Great operation. Wonderful staff, great food.”

Family members and colleagues describe Thy Mitchell as the vibrant face of their businesses.

“She was so energetic. She loved the restaurant world,” Chef Jassi Bindra, who was in the middle of planning a collaboration dinner with Mitchell, said. “It’s really shocking to hear what happened. All our support goes to her family and friends.”

According to the Houston Police Department, there were no prior records of domestic violence calls to the residence. A search of county court records also revealed no history of civil lawsuits or criminal investigations involving the couple prior to the shooting.

Howard said Thy Mitchell was recently asked to join the board of the Houston Chapter of the Texas Restaurant Association because she was so dynamic.

“We saw such a bright star with Thy that we asked her to serve on our board. We knew she would inject some new ideas,” Howard said. “It looked like this was a successful power couple doing this together.”

As news of the tragedy spread, tributes began pouring in from across the city. In front of the family home, friends left flowers, photos, and other small tributes.

Houston police are urging anyone with information that may help the investigation to call them.