In a heartwarming celebration of culinary creativity and athletic achievement, Olympic champion Simone Biles has opened a new café at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas. Named “Taste of Gold,” the restaurant not only pays homage to Biles’s remarkable career but also aims to provide a unique dining experience that connects travelers, sports enthusiasts, and food lovers alike.
Biles, who has captured a record seven Olympic gold medals, shared insights about her new venture during a video interview. When playfully asked about the taste of gold, she reflected on the deeper meaning behind her accolades, emphasizing that her café should offer patrons more than just a meal—it should foster community and connection.
“What’s so special is it brings the community together with people, with sports, with traveling, and for a love of food,” Biles said, highlighting her vision for the café.
The grand opening event saw Biles joined by her husband, Jonathan Owens, a professional football player for the Indianapolis Colts, along with family members. Owens noted their shared passion for food, expressing hope that travelers would find the same enjoyment in the café that they do when dining out together.
“It’s just relaxing. Whether you’re getting here before your flight and you want to wind down a little and relax, or you just landed from a long flight, want to get some great food, watch a game, or just sit here and relax,” he said.
As the emcee for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, I witnessed Biles’s excitement firsthand. She enthusiastically greeted guests, sampled dishes, and proudly cut the ribbon, marking the official launch of her establishment.
“I’m super excited to have this restaurant here in my hometown airport. It is such a dream come true,” Biles remarked to the crowd, which included invited guests and curious travelers passing through the terminal.
APG, the company behind the café, specializes in establishing restaurants co-created with well-known athletes in airport terminals. Biles, having trained in Houston throughout her formative years and recently building a home in the area, serves as a fitting representative of Houston sports.
“The name Simone Biles is synonymous with Houston sports,” said Mark Brezinski, who oversees culinary operations at APG. “The fact that she’s been so successful, both here and nationally all over the world, is a perfect fit for us.”
Biles’s achievements in gymnastics are monumental, not only for the records she has set but also for the barriers she has broken. She recognizes the significance of her name being associated with the restaurant, especially as the first female athlete to have such an establishment in an airport. Biles expressed her hope that this milestone paves the way for other female athletes to follow suit.
“The significance is big. I’m the first female athlete with a restaurant in an airport, and I hope this is just the beginning,” she said. “I hope other female athletes get the opportunity to do such, and, hopefully, this is the first of many for me.”
APG currently operates two other restaurants, with plans for further growth, particularly focusing on opportunities for women in sports. Co-founder Derek Missimo has long advocated for increased participation of girls and women in athletics, a mission evident in his support for his daughter, a professional soccer player.
“Women’s sports have progressed over the last four years. They’re breaking down barriers and boundaries and doing things we never thought women could do. So it’s really exciting to see. And this is just the beginning for women in sports,” Biles asserted.
Recent developments in women’s sports, such as the WNBA’s new collective bargaining agreement that significantly raises salary caps, reflect this progress. With viewership and attendance figures soaring, the business potential surrounding women’s sports is undeniable.
While Houston has a rich history of male athletes, the emergence of women athletes like Biles presents a compelling case for equal recognition. With her international appeal and competitive accolades, Biles’s café adds a new dimension to the city’s sports culture.
“If she has more restaurants, or other women athletes have more restaurants in the future, it’s just an amazing sign,” Owens said, emphasizing the positive trajectory for women in sports.
In a city that once hosted a WNBA team filled with legendary players, the potential for expansion and further recognition of women’s sports remains bright. As the landscape evolves, we may soon see more female athletes join the ranks of entrepreneurial ventures within the vibrant Houston community.
Ultimately, the notion of “gold” extends beyond medals; it represents the increasing value and recognition of women athletes in various sports. As they continue to achieve remarkable success, the expectation is that they will keep striving for greater heights—and savoring the rewards along the way.
