Simone Biles, the most decorated American gymnast, has added another achievement to her remarkable career: entrepreneurship. The Olympic gold medalist has opened her first restaurant, Taste of Gold, at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, Texas. The cafe, located in Terminal A near Gate A8, offers travelers a quick and convenient dining option although celebrating Biles’s hometown and athletic journey.
The opening of Taste of Gold represents a significant moment for Biles, who has consistently used her platform to advocate for mental health and empower others. This venture extends her influence beyond the world of sports, demonstrating a commitment to building opportunities and supporting her community. The restaurant’s location within Houston’s primary airport is particularly fitting, given Biles’s deep roots in the city.
Biles first announced the opening of Taste of Gold via an Instagram post, sharing photos from the grand opening event. “TASTE OF GOLD NOW OPEN IN IAH AIRPORT,” she captioned the post, generating excitement among fans and followers. The launch was a family affair, with Biles’s husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens, and her parents present to cut the ceremonial ribbon, as reported by Essence.
In a statement released alongside the opening, Biles expressed her enthusiasm for the project. “As a frequent traveler, I am thrilled to partner with Athlete Playermaker Group to help create a place for people to relax and share meals during their travels through my hometown airport,” she said. “Whether you’re a fan of gymnastics, football, or any sport, or just hungry for something yummy before or after your flight, I’d like to welcome you to Taste of Gold the way fans have welcomed me into their hearts over my career.”
A Menu Inspired by an Icon
Taste of Gold’s menu, designed by Athlete Playermaker Group, focuses on providing travelers with accessible and satisfying options. It features a range of quick eats, including sandwiches, salads, dips, burgers, soups, and desserts. A standout item is “Simone’s Skewers,” available with chicken, steak, shrimp, or vegetables – a personal favorite of Biles herself. The restaurant aims to cater to a broad palate, offering something for everyone passing through the airport.
Beyond the food, the restaurant’s design is a tribute to Biles’s extraordinary career. Multiple televisions are strategically placed throughout the space, allowing guests to catch up on live sports. Original 3D artwork created by Texas designer Jody Dodson adorns the walls, featuring handcrafted wooden pieces and gold accents inspired by Biles’s iconic leotards. The decor aims to create an immersive experience that celebrates her achievements and resonates with fans.
Houston Airports Welcomes a Hometown Hero
Francisco Cuellar, chief commercial development officer for Houston Airports, highlighted the significance of Biles’s decision to launch her first restaurant at IAH. “The opening of Taste of Gold marks a defining moment for our concessions program,” Cuellar stated in an official press release. “To have a global icon like Simone Biles choose Bush Airport for her first restaurant speaks to the strength of this platform and the millions of passengers we serve each year. Taste of Gold captures Houston’s spirit—excellence, energy and ambition—and it raises the bar for what passengers can expect when they travel through IAH.”
The addition of Taste of Gold is part of a broader effort by Houston Airports to enhance the passenger experience and showcase the city’s vibrant culture. By partnering with a local icon like Simone Biles, the airport aims to provide travelers with a unique and memorable dining option that reflects the spirit of Houston.
Expanding Beyond the Gym
Simone Biles’s venture into the restaurant industry represents a natural extension of her brand and a demonstration of her entrepreneurial spirit. Throughout her career, Biles has consistently broken barriers and challenged expectations, both in and out of the gymnasium. Her advocacy for mental health, particularly following her experiences at the Tokyo Olympics, has resonated with audiences worldwide. NBC News extensively covered her decision to prioritize her well-being, sparking a global conversation about athlete mental health.
Taste of Gold is not simply a restaurant; it’s a symbol of Biles’s continued growth and her commitment to giving back to the community that has supported her throughout her journey. The restaurant provides employment opportunities and contributes to the local economy, further solidifying her impact on Houston.
Looking ahead, Houston Airports plans to continue investing in concessions that reflect the diversity and dynamism of the city. The success of Taste of Gold is expected to attract further interest from other high-profile individuals and brands seeking to establish a presence at IAH. Passengers traveling through George Bush Intercontinental Airport can now experience a taste of Simone Biles’s success and dedication with every bite.
What are your thoughts on Simone Biles’s latest restaurant? Share your comments below and let us know if you plan to visit Taste of Gold during your next trip through Houston.
