Olympic gold medalist and Spring native Simone Biles celebrated the opening of her first restaurant, Taste of Gold, at George Bush Intercontinental Airport on March 24.
Per a March 25 news release, the restaurant is a collaboration with Athlete Playmaker Group, a company that develops and operates restaurants and bars co-created with tier-one athletes in airport terminals across the U.S.
"Airports are the front door to a city, but too often feel interchangeable," Athlete Playmaker co-founder Derek Missimo said in a statement. "Taste of Gold supports our goal of creating places that feel familiar and local, without sacrificing quality, speed or consistency."
On the menu
Taste of Gold offers a menu of salads, sandwiches, salads, desserts and appetizers. Biles' favorite menu item, dubbed "Simone's Skewers," is available with chicken, steak, shrimp and vegetable options, per the release.
"As a frequent traveler, I am thrilled to partner with Athlete Playmaker 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."
Check it out
Per the release, the restaurant features televisions around its bar where patrons can watch sporting events, as well as original 3D art by designer Jody Dodson. Located in Terminal A near Gate A8, the restaurant is now open daily from 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
"The opening of Taste of Gold marks a defining moment for our concessions program," Francisco Cuellar, chief commercial development officer for Houston Airports, said in a statement. "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."
