Tina Knowles, the mother of global superstar Beyonce and Solange Knowles, recently launched a gumbo pop-up that quickly drew attention in Houston.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Knowles, 72, opened Mama Tina's Gumbo at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, operating a booth near the Ferris wheel from March 2 through March 22.
But on March 16, the Houston Health Department temporarily shut down the popular stand, briefly disrupting the businesswoman's latest venture.
Beyonce's Mom Tina Knowles Sees Gumbo Booth Temporarily Shut Down
Knowles first announced the pop-up in a February 24 Instagram post to her 4.2 million followers, generating significant buzz and more than 50,000 likes.
According to officials, the Houston Health Department closed the booth following a complaint investigation.
Dr. Theresa Tran, director of the department, confirmed the temporary shutdown in a statement shared via KTRK-TV.
"On Monday, March 16, 2026, the Houston Health Department issued a temporary closure of Mama Tina's Gumbo booth at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo as a result of a complaint investigation," the statement read.
"The vendor was cooperative with the department's recommendations and passed a subsequent inspection. It was authorized to reopen on Tuesday, March 17, 2026."
Celebrity Support and Long Lines Follow Reopening
Despite the brief closure, the pop-up quickly regained momentum once it reopened.
According to PEOPLE, Mama Tina's Gumbo was once again "filled with lines of smiling customers," with some familiar faces stopping by.
Former Destiny's Child member LeToya Luckett was among those in attendance, with Knowles sharing her visit on Instagram.
"My gorgeous Girl, @letoyaluckett came by and got some Gumbo and she loved it."
Houston rap icon Bun B also visited the stand, as highlighted in Knowles' social media posts.
The gumbo booth marks just one of Knowles' latest ventures. She is also preparing to embark on a promotional tour for her upcoming book, Matriarch.
The tour will begin April 30 in Washington, D.C., and conclude on June 4 in London, with stops in nine cities.
A number of high-profile names are set to join her along the way, including Michelle Obama, who will moderate the Washington event, as well as Keke Palmer, Kelly Rowland, Tyler Perry and Stella McCartney.
