new from traveler's table
Eclectic and inventive Montrose restaurant carts up new 'global street food' fast-casual concept
Owners Matthew and Thy Mitchell and culinary director Stanton Bundy
The owners of Traveler’s Table are opening a sister restaurant devoted to global street food. Called Traveler’s Cart, it’s expected to open in late 2023 in the former Pronto Cucinino space at 1401 Montrose Blvd.
Like Traveler’s Table, Traveler’s Cart will serve an eclectic menu that features dishes from different culinary traditions but in a different format than its sibling.
As a fast casual restaurant, Traveler’s Cart will offer a lower price point and a more relaxed environment than Traveler’s Table while still offering well-executed dishes and a comprehensive beverage program. Its model takes some inspiration from restaurants such as Loro, the Asian smokehouse from the hospitality group behind Uchi, and Urbe, the Mexican street food concept from James Beard Award winner Hugo Ortega, owner Matthew Mitchell tells CultureMap.
“I think food is democratizing,” Mitchell says. “People want really high quality food, but they don’t want to make a reservation. There’s times you want to roll in wearing shorts and T-shirt and get really good food.”
Opened in 2019 by Thy and Matthew Mitchell, Traveler’s Table’s combination of an eclectic menu with refined service and a stylish environment has been highly successful. Its accolades include an appearance on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and making the third highest donation of all participants in the 2022 edition of Houston Restaurant Weeks.
As with Traveler’s Table, Mitchell has turned to Houston’s Gin Design Group to create the interior for Traveler’s Cart. Plans call for design elements that reference markets and street carts from around the world.
“We want to create enough of an experience where people can come in for a date or meet up with friends,” Mitchell says.
Another benefit of a fast casual model is that the restaurant will be open during more times of day. Currently, Traveler’s Cart plans to serve lunch during the week, dinner nightly, and brunch on the weekends.
Traveler’s culinary director Stanton Bundy will create the menu for the new restaurant. Beverage offerings will include a full range of wine, beer, and cocktails.
Mitchell feels optimistic about Traveler’s Cart’s potential. If this location catches on, others could follow.
“It’s something we think we can scale,” he says. “This one is built to have legs — maybe Rice Village or the Galleria.”
