Mama Tina’s Gumbo, the pop-up stand owned by Tina Knowles, mother of Beyoncé and Solange Knowles, temporarily closed at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo on March 16, following a complaint investigation by the Houston Health Department. Service resumed on March 18.
Temporary Closure and Reopening
The Houston Health Department temporarily closed the gumbo stand due to a “complaint investigation,” according to Dr. Theresa Tran, Director of the Houston Health Department. The stand was found to be “cooperative with the department’s recommendations” and passed a subsequent inspection, receiving authorization to reopen on March 17.
Initially, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo attributed the closure to “clerical issues.” However, the Houston Health Department later clarified that the closure stemmed from the investigation of a complaint.
Mama Tina’s Gumbo
Tina Knowles stated the gumbo stand is an opportunity for fans of Beyoncé to try a recipe she has been perfecting for over 40 years. She expressed excitement about making the gumbo accessible to a wider audience.
Mama Tina’s Gumbo offers two options: a $25 seafood gumbo with beef sausage, chicken, shrimp, and blue crab, and a $23 chicken-and-sausage-only option. The stand is scheduled to remain open until March 22.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Mama Tina’s Gumbo temporarily closed?
Mama Tina’s Gumbo was temporarily closed on March 16.
Why was the gumbo stand initially closed?
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo initially stated the closure was due to “clerical issues.”
When did Mama Tina’s Gumbo reopen?
Mama Tina’s Gumbo was authorized to reopen on March 17 and service had resumed by March 18.
As the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo continues, will the health department maintain its rigorous inspection schedule for all vendors?
