Simone Biles has opened her first restaurant at Houston’s Bush Airport, giving travelers a new dining option tied to the Olympic champion.
HOUSTON — Travelers passing through Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport now have a new dining option backed by one of the city’s most recognizable athletes.
Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles officially opened her signature restaurant, Taste of Gold, on Tuesday, inside Terminal A near Gate A8.
The café is designed as a comfortable, casual space for travelers, with décor inspired by Biles’ career and achievements.
“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. “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 new dining concept at Bush Airport
Taste of Gold offers a menu built around quick, shareable options. That includes sandwiches, salads and a variety of shareables.
One featured item is Biles’ personal favorite, “Simone’s Skewers,” with chicken, steak, shrimp and vegetable options. The menu also includes desserts.
The concept was developed with airport restaurant specialists Athlete Playmaker Group, which has partnered with other professional athletes to create dining experiences in airport terminals across the country.
“Airports are the front door to a city, but too often feel interchangeable,” said Athlete Playmaker co-founder Derek Missimo of debuting airport dining concepts alongside legendary athletes Dirk Nowitzki, Marty Turco, Bruce Smith and more. “Taste of Gold supports our goal of creating places that feel familiar and local, without sacrificing quality, speed or consistency.”
Designed with Houston in mind
The restaurant includes multiple televisions for watching sporting events and features original 3D artwork by Texas designer Jody Dodson. The design incorporates hand-crafted and painted wood with gold embellishments tied to Biles’ leotard.
Airport officials say the addition reflects a broader push to elevate the passenger experience.
“The opening of Taste of Gold marks a defining moment for our concessions program,” Francisco Cuellar, chief commercial development officer for Houston Airports, said. “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.”
Taste of Gold is now open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
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