The Houston Health Department (HHD) has confirmed that ‘Mama Tina’s Gumbo’ was temporarily shut down at the Houston rodeo.
Tina Knowles, also known as Mama Tina and the mother of Beyonce, debuted her Creole gumbo at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
The gumbo, which is a cherished family recipe that Knowles said she has perfected over decades, created a buzz for many wanting to try a home dish loved by Beyonce.
The HHD said the booth was shut down on Monday and has since reopened on Wednesday.
The rodeo stated “clerical issues” as the reasons why Mama Tina’s Gumbo was closed for two days.
But, shortly before 5 p.m., the Houston Health Department released a statement, stating the reasons for the temporary closure was due to “a result of a complaint investigation.”
The Houston Rodeo and Livestock Show released the following statement:
All Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo exhibitors must comply with all the rules, regulations, and requirements of the Fire Marshal, the City of Houston Health Department and any governmental entity having jurisdiction over these premises.
To our knowledge, Mama Tina’s has been cooperative with the City of Houston Health Department and has worked closely with them to address the identified clerical issues. Mama Tina’s has since reopened under the guidance of the Houston Health Department.
The Houston Health Department released the following statement:
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 vendor was cooperative with the department’s recommendations and passed a subsequent inspection. It was authorized to reopen on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
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