The landscape of professional sports ownership is shifting, and Simone Biles is leading the charge in a new arena: the culinary world. On March 26, 2026, the 11-time Olympic medalist made a groundbreaking announcement that marks the end of her gymnastics career and the beginning of a new chapter—restaurant ownership.
Biles unveiled her new venture, “Simone Biles Taste of Gold,” a restaurant located at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in her hometown of Houston. This move is a significant transition for the gymnast, who has spent over a decade dominating the world of gymnastics with her unprecedented success. Now, she’s taking on the competitive hospitality industry.
A New Chapter for the Gymnastics GOAT
After a career that saw Biles secure 11 Olympic medals and 30 World Championships medals, she’s now turning her focus to a completely different kind of challenge. The opening of her restaurant, Taste of Gold, signifies a shift from the balance beam to the dining table, where Biles plans to apply the same “gold standard” mentality that defined her career in gymnastics.
Biles’ entry into the restaurant industry is a calculated and bold move. The restaurant is not just about offering food but creating a space that reflects her personal journey and values. “Taste of Gold” aims to provide a high-quality dining experience that speaks to her legacy as one of the greatest athletes of all time. With her expertise and platform, Biles is set to attract a diverse audience of food lovers, travelers, and fans alike.
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Competing with Sports Icons
Biles is not the first athlete to enter the world of business, particularly in the food and hospitality sector. Her new venture puts her in direct competition with fellow sports superstars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. The Kansas City Chiefs duo opened their luxury steakhouse, “1587 Prime,” in downtown Kansas City just months ago, creating their own slice of the high-end dining scene.
While Mahomes and Kelce focus on offering a premium steakhouse experience for city dwellers, Biles is carving out a different niche. By launching her restaurant at the airport, she’s catering to global travelers and creating a welcoming space that’s both accessible and premium. Biles’ venture places her in a unique “restaurateur rivalry” with the two NFL stars, but it also showcases the rising trend of athletes leveraging their fame to build entrepreneurial empires beyond endorsements.
Biles Brings Her Gold Standard to the Table
In her statement via Instagram, Biles expressed her excitement about the opportunity to bring a new dining experience to travelers. “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 shared. “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.”
This statement reflects the personal connection Biles has with her audience and her desire to create a space that goes beyond just food. Taste of Gold is meant to be a place where people from all walks of life—whether sports fans or casual travelers—can come together, relax, and enjoy a meal that reflects her values of excellence and passion.
A Changing Landscape for Athletes
Biles’ decision to retire from gymnastics and enter the world of business marks a new era for athlete-entrepreneurs. She’s joining a growing group of athletes who are redefining what life looks like after the final whistle. From Mahomes and Kelce to LeBron James and Serena Williams, more and more athletes are taking the entrepreneurial plunge, using their fame and influence to build businesses that span beyond their athletic careers.
As Biles steps into this new chapter, her journey will undoubtedly inspire others in the sports world to explore their entrepreneurial potential. With her work ethic, success, and entrepreneurial spirit, Biles is poised to make a significant impact in the hospitality industry, just as she did in gymnastics.
Conclusion: A New Era for Simone Biles
Simone Biles’ retirement from gymnastics and her entry into the restaurant business is a powerful testament to her ability to evolve and embrace new challenges. Taste of Gold is not just a restaurant; it’s a reflection of her journey, values, and the drive for excellence that has defined her entire career.
As she transitions from the gym to the kitchen, Biles continues to break barriers, showing the world that greatness is not limited to one field. Her new venture places her in direct competition with other sports icons, but with her passion and work ethic, there’s no doubt that she will leave a lasting mark on the dining world just as she did on gymnastics.
