Tina Knowles, mother of Beyoncé and Solange Knowles, is making waves in Houston with her latest venture, Mama Tina’s Gumbo.
Fans flocked to the Houston Livestock and Rodeo Show to sample the chef-turned-entrepreneur’s signature Louisiana-inspired recipes, available through March 22, 2026. The gumbo comes in two options: a $25 seafood version with beef sausage, chicken, shrimp, and blue crab, and a $23 chicken-and-sausage-only option.
While the pop-up has generated excitement, a viral video has drawn attention for a different reason. In the clip, an unidentified man sitting in his car warned viewers not to try the gumbo, claiming there is something “spiritual” behind Ms. Tina’s food. He questioned why she chose to start selling gumbo at this moment and cautioned fans about idolizing Beyoncé and blindly trusting her mother. “Your soul is at stake. Is your soul worth a couple of gumbos?” he said in the video.
Despite the warnings circulating online, Tina Knowles herself has been hands-on at the event, personally greeting fans, serving bowls of her 20-hour gumbo recipe, and sharing the story behind her take on the classic dish. Describing the recipe, Ms. Tina told USA Today, “It’s sort of like a soup. I would liken it to Bouillabaisse, but it’s better. It comes from the origin of Louisiana, and we mix a little Texas in with it.”
Mama Tina’s Gumbo has long been a family favorite, and this pop-up marks the first time the public has had the chance to enjoy her cooking firsthand. Social media users have shared their experiences, sparking a mix of excitement and, in some cases, controversy over the viral claims surrounding the pop-up.
Fans still line up for a taste of the celebrated gumbo, eager to experience the flavors made famous in the Knowles household.
