new from traveler's table

Eclectic and inventive Montrose restaurant carts up new 'global street food' fast-casual concept

Traveler's Table Matthew Mitchell Thy Mitchell Stanton Bundy

Owners Matthew and Thy Mitchell and culinary director Stanton Bundy

Photo by Kirsten Gilliam

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.”

openings news-you-can-eat

Stay trill, owls

Bun B serves up smash hit smash burgers at Houston's Rice University

Photo by Quit Nguyen

Bun B is bringing Trill Burgers to Rice University.

Faculty, students, and staff at Rice University will have a fresh new dining option when classes resume for the fall semester. Trill Burgers will open its fourth Houston-area location on campus beginning Monday, August 17.

Located at the Rice Memorial Center, the new Trill Burgers will serve the restaurant’s signature smash burgers, which are available in either beef or vegan versions. That starts with the OG Trill Burger, made with two smashed beef patties, pickles, caramelized onions, Trill Sauce, and American cheese on a Martin’s potato roll. A vegan version uses plant-based smashed patties, vegan sauce, and vegan cheese. Burgers will be sold individually or as a combo with fries and a drink. Students will be able to use their campus dining dollars (Tetra) to purchase their meals.

Bun B, a Houston hip-hop legend and co-founder of Trill Burgers, has long had ties to Rice University. In 2011, 2013, and 2015, he served as a distinguished lecturer, co-teaching Religion and Hip-Hop Culture with Anthony Pinn, the Agnes Cullen Arnold Distinguished Professor of the Humanities.

“This is truly full circle for me,” Bun B said in a statement. “To bring this brand to Rice University where I once taught is a major moment for Trill Burgers and for myself.”

In addition to Trill Burgers, Rice is also home to locations of breakfast favorite Dandelion Cafe and salad and sandwich concept Local Foods Market.

“We are excited to build upon this long-standing relationship while giving the Rice community an authentic taste of Houston,” Beth Leaver, Rice’s assistant vice president of housing, dining, and hospitality, added. “Trill Burgers brings a distinctive and celebrated part of Houston’s culinary culture to the Rice campus. I am often asked about adding a great burger option, and this partnership fills an important gap in our dining portfolio.”

While the restaurant is open to the general public, its proximity to the original Trill Burgers location (3607 S. Shepherd Dr.) means it will likely appeal primarily to people who are already on campus. Initially, the restaurant will be open from 11 am-5 pm.

Opening at Rice comes at a time of continued growth for Trill Burgers. In December, the restaurant opened in Missouri City. It is expected to open a new location at Westheimer and Hillcroft (7616 Westheimer Rd.) as soon as this month.

burgers rice university openings bun b trill burgers