Tina Knowles’ Gumbo Booth Briefly Closed at Houston Rodeo | Health Department Investigation

Mama Tina’s Gumbo, the pop-up eatery owned by Tina Knowles, Beyoncé’s mother, briefly closed its doors at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo on Monday, March 16, 2026, following a complaint investigation by the Houston Health Department. The stand, offering seafood gumbo for $25 and a chicken-and-sausage option for $23, was authorized to reopen the following day, March 17, after passing a subsequent inspection, according to officials.

The Houston Health Department confirmed the temporary closure to USA TODAY, stating the action stemmed from a “complaint investigation.” Dr. Theresa Tran, Director of the Houston Health Department, said the vendor “was cooperative with the department’s recommendations.” The department has not publicly disclosed the nature of the complaint.

Prior to the official statements, a video circulated online purportedly showing a customer claiming to have become ill after eating at Mama Tina’s Gumbo. The video included a screenshot of a text message allegedly from the Health Department. The authenticity of the text message remains unverified. The incident quickly sparked debate online, with some Beyoncé fans suggesting the complaint was an act of sabotage. Comments on social media ranged from accusations of malicious intent to skepticism regarding the validity of the customer’s claim.

Knowles launched Mama Tina’s Gumbo at the rodeo as a way to share a recipe she’s perfected over four decades. “Everybody’s been wanting to try my gumbo,” Knowles said, explaining her decision to open the stand. “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.”

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, described as the largest stock exhibition and rodeo in the world, attracts millions of visitors annually. The temporary closure of Mama Tina’s Gumbo, while brief, drew significant attention given Knowles’ high profile and the popularity of the stand. Service had resumed by March 18, according to KPRC, a Houston NBC affiliate.

The Houston Health Department’s statement confirmed the stand was authorized to reopen on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. The department has not responded to further inquiries regarding the specifics of the initial complaint or the details of the inspection. The stand is scheduled to remain open until March 22, 2026.