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Controversial whiskey-fueled restaurant serves up comfort food to Katy

Federal Grill is coming to Katy.

Federal Grill/Facebook

Another Houston restaurant has set its sights on Katy. Federal American Grill will open its third location in a former Mason Jar at 727 West Grand Parkway S., according to a press release.

The 9,000-square-foot restaurant will undergo an extensive set of renovations to match the look and feel of Federal Grill's locations on Shepherd Drive and in Hedwig Village, including the installation of a glassed-in kitchen, private dining rooms, and an expansive patio. All told, the restaurant will seat more than 250 people. Expect an opening in the spring.

"When this opportunity in Katy was shown to us, it made a lot of sense," Federal Grill owner Matt Brice said in a statement. "We already had customers who drove in from Katy to our Hedwig location. This offered us a chance to serve a built-in customer base."

With dishes like kung pao calamari, chicken fried steak, and shrimp and grits, Federal Grill's menu has been designed to satisfy a wide range of tastes. It also features an extensive selection of whiskey (and whisky) from around the world, including exclusive barrel picks from domestic producers.

Brice opened his first Federal Grill in 2013. Hedwig Village opened in February, shortly before restrictions designed to limit the spread of Covid-19 prompted statewide orders that shuttered restaurant dining rooms. Brice defied Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo's stay-at-home/work-safe order by opening a few days before Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued his own order that allowed restaurants to reopen for dine-in service.

Real estate broker David Littwitz of Littwitz Investments, Inc represented Federal Grill. The landlord was represented by Eric Drymalla and Peggy Rougeou with Tarantino Properties.

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Houston restaurant touched by tragedy will close after 2 years in Montrose

Photo by Jenn Duncan

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A Houston restaurant at the center of a tragedy will soon serve its final meal. Traveler’s Cart will close after service on Friday, July 31.

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A post shared by Traveler’s Cart - Montrose (@travelerscartrestaurant)

“We’re incredibly thankful to everyone who has supported Traveler’s Cart,” director of operations Ryan Browne said in a statement. “While saying goodbye is never easy, we’re choosing to celebrate everything this restaurant has meant to our team and our guests. We hope the community will join us for one last meal before continuing the journey with us at Traveler’s Table.”

In the social media post linked above, the restaurant encourages diners to make one last visit this week to say farewell.

Traveler’s Cart opened in October 2024 as a more casual, more affordable version of its sister concept Traveler’s Table. The restaurant serves an eclectic mix of globally-inspired dishes, including falafel, roti canai with curry, butter chicken samosas, Thai fried chicken wings, and shrimp satay.

Initially, the restaurant offered counter service. In November 2025, Traveler’s Cart switched to full service to better meet diners’ expectations.

Sister restaurant Traveler’s Table remains open. It will participate in Houston Restaurant Weeks, where it serve a three-course, $55 dinner menu. Last year, Traveler’s Table made the third highest donation of all participating restaurants, contributing more than $24,000 to the Cleverley Stone Foundation.

The restaurant adds that it is looking to place its employees in jobs with other restaurants. Those with availability are encouraged to email Browne at ryan@travelerstable.com.

Traveler’s Cart founders Thy Mai and Matthew Mitchell died unexpectedly in May. The Harris County Medical Examiner determined that Mitchell shot Mai and the couple’s two children before taking his own life. Her family established the Thy Mai Foundation to protect women and children from gun violence.

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