come sail away

Austin restaurant known for khachapuri sets sail for Houston

Photo courtesy of Bread Boat

An Austin restaurant that serves cuisine from the country of Georgia is coming to Houston. Bread Boat has claimed the former Collina’s Italian Cafe space near Greenway Plaza (3835 Richmond Ave.) for a restaurant that’s expected to open in September.

Founded by Georgian friends Giorgi Sharabidze, Saba Shonia, and chef Khatuna Kopaliani, Bread Boat serves khachapuri, Georgia's iconic boat-shaped bread filled with cheese, butter, and egg yolk. Chef Kopaliani has created a number of riffs, including the beef boat (slow-braised beef with spices), chicken boat (chicken with garlic and herbs), smoky bean boat (baked beans with bacon), and a veggie boat with a tomato and bell pepper stew.

The menu also includes kubdari (Georgian meat pie), pkhali (a medley of vegetable pâtés), and “Ideal Cake” (honey walnut cake). Beverage options include Georgian wines, beers, and lemonade.

“Khatuna Kopaliani brings authentic family recipes and culinary expertise,” co-founder Shonia explains in an email. “Other founding members proudly represent our Georgian roots and bring restaurant industry backgrounds, aiming to make Georgian cuisine approachable while staying true to its heritage.”

The restaurant opened its original Austin location in August 2025. Shonia says the partners always intended Houston to be next.

“Houston was the natural next step after the success in Austin because of its diverse dining scene and strong appreciation for international cuisines,” he writes. “Greenway Plaza stood out because it combines a diverse mix of professionals for lunch time and residential neighborhoods with excellent accessibility.”

Collina’s closed its Greenway Plaza location in June 2025. It still operates location in the Heights and Memorial.

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traveling on

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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