George Bush Intercontinental Airport may not be anyone’s favorite place these days — at least until the lines for TSA screening return to normal — but at least travelers who make it through the security checkpoint will have a new place to eat, courtesy of one of Houston’s most successful athletes.
Olympic champion Simone Biles has opened Taste of Gold in Terminal A. Located near gate A8, the cafe features decor inspired by Biles’ historic career — winning 11 Olympic medals, including the all-around gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Travelers will find TVs for watching sports and 3D art by Texas designer Jody Dodson.
Open daily from 6 am-9 pm, the restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including salads, sandwiches, shareables, and desserts. One highlight is “Simone’s Skewers,” available with chicken, steak, shrimp, and vegetable options. “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,” Biles 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.”
Biles worked with Athlete Playmaker Group to create the concept. The company has worked with other athletes on their airport restaurants, including Dirk Nowitzki in Dallas and Buffalo Bills defensive end Bruce Smith in Norfolk, Virginia.
“The opening of Taste of Gold marks a defining moment for our concessions program,” said Francisco Cuellar, chief commercial development officer for Houston Airports. “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.”
When you think of greatness, you think of Simone Biles—a name synonymous with excellence, resilience, and jaw-dropping achievements. But now, she’s taking her talents beyond the mat and into an entirely new arena: the culinary world.
Yes, you read that right. Simone Biles has officially opened a brand-new restaurant at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, and it’s already making waves among travelers and food lovers alike.
Let’s dive into why this move is turning heads, what you can expect from the restaurant, and why it might just become the most talked-about airport dining spot in the country.
A Champion’s Leap Into the Restaurant Industry
Simone Biles isn’t just breaking records—she’s breaking boundaries. Moving from Olympic dominance into entrepreneurship is no small feat. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned from her career, it’s this: she thrives under pressure.
Opening a restaurant in a bustling international airport isn’t just ambitious—it’s strategic. Millions of travelers pass through Bush Intercontinental every year. That’s a massive audience hungry for something memorable.
And Biles? She’s delivering exactly that.
Why Bush Intercontinental Is the Perfect Location
A High-Traffic Travel Hub
Bush Intercontinental isn’t your average airport. It’s one of the busiest travel hubs in the United States, connecting Houston to the world.
That means constant foot traffic, diverse customers, and endless opportunities to impress.
A Taste of Houston Culture
Houston is known for its rich culinary scene—bold flavors, cultural diversity, and Southern hospitality. Biles’ restaurant taps directly into that vibe, giving travelers a true taste of the city without ever leaving the terminal.
What Makes Simone Biles’ Restaurant Unique?
A Personal Touch
This isn’t just a celebrity name slapped on a menu. Biles has been actively involved in shaping the concept, ensuring it reflects her personality—energetic, bold, and authentic.
A Celebration of Strength and Balance
Think about it: gymnastics is all about balance. And that philosophy carries into the menu—offering a mix of indulgent comfort foods and healthier options.
It’s like choosing between a perfect landing and a daring flip. Why not both?
Inside the Menu — What Can You Expect?
Southern-Inspired Favorites
Expect dishes that feel like a warm hug—crispy fried chicken, savory sides, and rich flavors that scream Texas comfort.
Healthy Athlete Choices
For those on the go (or watching their diet), the menu includes lighter options—fresh salads, protein-packed meals, and energizing snacks.
Signature Dishes
While the full menu is still creating buzz, insiders say there are signature items inspired by Biles’ life and career—meals designed to fuel champions.
The Design — More Than Just a Restaurant
A Modern, Energetic Atmosphere
The restaurant’s design reflects movement and energy—clean lines, bold colors, and subtle nods to gymnastics.
Instagram-Worthy Spaces
Let’s be honest—if it’s not Instagrammable, does it even exist? Luckily, this place delivers. From stylish plating to eye-catching interiors, it’s built for social media moments.
Why This Launch Is a Big Deal
Athletes Expanding Their Brand
We’ve seen athletes venture into fashion, fitness, and media. But restaurants? That’s a different game.
Biles is part of a growing trend of athletes building empires beyond their sport.
Elevating Airport Dining
Airport food used to mean soggy sandwiches and overpriced snacks. Not anymore. Biles’ restaurant is part of a new wave redefining what travelers can expect.
The Fan Reaction — Instant Buzz
Social Media Explosion
The announcement alone sparked massive engagement online. Fans, food bloggers, and travelers are all curious—and excited.
A Must-Visit Destination
Even people not flying through Houston are talking about it. That’s the kind of buzz most restaurants dream of.
Simone Biles — From Olympic Gold to Business Gold
A Legacy Beyond Gymnastics
Biles has already secured her place in history as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time. But she’s not stopping there.
This restaurant is another chapter in her evolving legacy.
Inspiring the Next Generation
What message does this send? That you don’t have to stay in one lane. You can reinvent yourself—and succeed.
The Business Strategy Behind the Move
Capturing a Global Audience
Airports bring together people from all over the world. That’s instant global exposure.
Building a Lifestyle Brand
This isn’t just about food. It’s about creating an experience tied to Biles’ identity—strength, excellence, and authenticity.
What Travelers Are Saying
First Impressions Matter
Early visitors are praising the concept, the flavors, and the overall vibe.
Worth the Stop? Absolutely
If you’ve ever rushed through an airport meal, this might be the first time you slow down and actually enjoy it.
Challenges Ahead — Is It All Smooth Landing?
High Expectations
When your name is Simone Biles, expectations are sky-high. Every detail matters.
The Competitive Airport Scene
Airport dining is evolving fast. Staying ahead means constant innovation.
But if anyone can stick the landing, it’s her.
The Future of the Restaurant
Expansion Possibilities
Could this be the first of many? It wouldn’t be surprising to see more locations pop up in major airports.
A New Standard for Celebrity Dining
If successful, this could redefine how celebrity restaurants are approached—more authentic, more involved, more meaningful.
Why You Should Check It Out
A Unique Experience
It’s not every day you eat at a restaurant owned by an Olympic legend.
Quality Meets Storytelling
Every dish tells a story—of discipline, passion, and excellence.
Conclusion: A Perfect Landing in a New Arena
Simone Biles has done it again—this time, not with a gravity-defying routine, but with a bold business move that’s capturing attention worldwide. Her new restaurant at Bush Intercontinental isn’t just a place to eat—it’s an experience, a statement, and a glimpse into her next chapter.
Whether you’re a fan, a foodie, or just passing through Houston, this is one stop you won’t want to miss.