Next time you’re in Houston, you can support a Black-owned business. The legendary Simone Biles has opened up her first eatery, a cafe called Taste of Gold, at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Terminal A near Gate A8. The location is befitting, considering Houston is the gymnast’s hometown.
Biles announced the surprise with fans in an Instagram post, sharing snaps from the grand opening.
“TASTE OF GOLD NOW OPEN IN IAH AIRPORT,” the Olympic medalist captioned the post.
The opening was packed to the brim with love and support from the athlete’s nearest and dearest. Biles’s husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens, in addition to her parents, were there to show support and mark the grand opening by cutting the yellow tape.
In an official statement, the gymnast announced her excitement about the new venture.
“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 in a statement. “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.”
Designed by Athlete Playmaker Group, the menu is filled with quick and easy eats like sandwiches, salads, dips, burgers, soups, and desserts. A highlight of the menu includes Simone’s Skewers, offering options like chicken, steak, shrimp, and vegetables. Biles confirmed the skewers are her personal favorite menu item.
One of the defining things about Taste of Gold is that the decor is inspired by the star’s unprecedented career. It’s only right that the space includes multiple televisions for guests to watch sports. Additionally, guests can expect to see original 3D artwork of the gymnast created by Texas designer Jody Dodson. The art features handcrafted wooden pieces and gold accents inspired by the icon’s leotards.
Chief commercial development officer for Houston Airports, Francisco Cuellar, is elated about having the record-breaking gymnast open her first restaurant there.
“The opening of Taste of Gold marks a defining moment for our concessions program,” Cuellar said in the 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.”