Beyoncé fans talk about her mother’s gumbo at Houston rodeo
Fans are lining up to try Tina Knowles’ 20 Hours of Family Recipes, which debuted at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Mama Tina’s Gumbo at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has been temporarily shut down by the Houston Health Department, the department confirmed to USA TODAY.
The stand, owned by Tina Knowles, mother of Beyoncé and Solange Knowles, sells classic versions of the Southern dish, but was closed due to “administrative issues,” according to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Houston Department of Health Director Dr. Teresa Tran told USA TODAY in a statement that the department temporarily closed the stand on March 16 to “investigate complaints.” Tran said the stand was “cooperative with the department’s recommendations” and passed inspection.
Mama Tina’s Gumbo was allowed to reopen on March 17, Tran said. Service was restored by March 18, according to Houston NBC affiliate KPRC.
The health department did not give a reason for the stand closure. USA TODAY has reached out to Tina Knowles’ representative for comment.
What is Tina’s Gumbo?
According to Tina Knowles, the pop-up will be an opportunity for Beyoncé’s fans to try the gumbo that she “absolutely loves.”
When asked about her take on the Louisiana classic, Knowles said, “Everyone wanted to try my gumbo.” “I’ve been making gumbo for 40-odd years, and people have been asking for it and asking me to release it. And I finally found a way to make gumbo at an affordable price. I’m really excited.”
There are two options for gumbo. A seafood version with beef sausage, chicken, shrimp and blue crab costs $25. The chicken and sausage only option is $23.
The stand will be open until March 22, USA TODAY previously reported.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the largest livestock show and rodeo in the world, said Scott Sosebee, Stephen F. Austin State University professor and executive director of the East Texas Historical Society. In 2025, more than 2.7 million people attended the event.
