Tina Knowles' Gumbo Stand Temporarily Closed After 'Complaint' Probe

Mama Tina's Gumbo at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo was shut down for 'clerical issues' before being allowed to reopen.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 12:22am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Tina Knowles' pop-up gumbo stand at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo was temporarily closed by health officials due to a complaint investigation, but was allowed to reopen the next day after passing an inspection.

Why it matters

Tina Knowles, the mother of Beyoncé and Solange Knowles, opened the gumbo stand as an opportunity for fans to try the Southern cuisine she has been making for decades. The temporary closure raised questions about food safety and health regulations at the massive annual event.

The details

The Houston Health Department confirmed it temporarily closed Mama Tina's Gumbo on March 16 due to a 'complaint investigation', but said the stand 'was cooperative with the department's recommendations' and passed an inspection, allowing it to reopen on March 17. The health department did not provide the reason for the initial closure.

  • Mama Tina's Gumbo was temporarily closed on March 16, 2026.
  • The stand was authorized to reopen on March 17, 2026.
  • Service had resumed by March 18, 2026.

The players

Tina Knowles

The mother of Beyoncé and Solange Knowles, who opened the Mama Tina's Gumbo pop-up stand at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Dr. Theresa Tran

The Director of the Houston Health Department, which temporarily closed and then allowed the reopening of Mama Tina's Gumbo stand.

Beyoncé

The singer and daughter of Tina Knowles, whose fans were eager to try the gumbo at the pop-up stand.

Solange Knowles

The singer and daughter of Tina Knowles.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Everybody's been wanting to try my gumbo. I've been making gumbo for 40-something years and people have been asking for it and asking for me to put it out And, I finally found a way to do it where it's affordable. I'm just really excited,”

— Tina Knowles

“The stand 'was cooperative with the department's recommendations' and passed an inspection.”

— Dr. Theresa Tran, Director of the Houston Health Department

What’s next

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is scheduled to run until March 22, 2026, so Mama Tina's Gumbo stand is expected to remain open for the duration of the event.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of food safety regulations and inspections, even at high-profile events like the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. It also underscores the popularity of Tina Knowles' gumbo recipe and the demand from Beyoncé fans to try her signature dish.