Simone Biles made her way to the 151st Kentucky Derby not just as a celebrated athlete, but as a rising entrepreneur-and she made sure fans noticed.
The seven-time Olympic gold medalist was selected to deliver the prestigious “Riders Up” announcement at Churchill Downs on May 4, but before she even stepped onto the tarmac in Louisville, Biles shared a special moment back home in Houston.
Posting to her Instagram story from George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Biles surprised followers with a snapshot in front of a mural set to promote her latest business venture-her restaurant, Taste of Gold.
Dressed in all black with a hoodie and sweatpants, and accented with white sneakers, Biles smiled in front of the patriotic mural, which prominently featured her likeness mid-routine and the message: “COMING SOON SIMONE BILES TASTE OF GOLD.”
“On my way to louisville for Kentucky derby,” she captioned the post. Then added with visible excitement, “and I finally got to see my restaurant at the airport!!!!!!”
Taste of Gold is expected to open soon at Terminal A, near Gate A8, offering a modern Tex-Mex dining experience. The venture, estimated to cost around $400,000, was announced in 2024 and promises a menu inspired by Biles’ own favorite flavors.
Biles and Owens bring their energy to Derby weekend
“I am a foodie at heart, and our hope with Taste of Gold is to offer a beautiful Tex-Mex dining experience that features award-winning, signature menu items with some of my favorite flavors sprinkled in for our guests,” Biles said in a previous statement.
Following her restaurant stop, Biles reunited with husband Jonathan Owens to board their flight to Kentucky. The NFL safety was clearly enjoying their time together, uploading a photo of Biles with the caption, “She is freaking hilarious.” In the image, Biles strikes a playful pose-hands on hips, lips pursed, head tilted-a snapshot of her vibrant personality off the mat.
Once in Louisville, the couple documented their adventures through a series of social media stories. In one, they jammed to music while Biles lip-synced along. Another showed Owens attempting to teach her the Tamia Shuffle, a dance set to Tamia’s “Can’t Get Enough.” And in a final post, they clinked glasses for their “first mint julep,” the iconic Kentucky Derby cocktail made with bourbon, mint, and syrup over crushed ice.
Simone Biles‘ Kentucky Derby trip is turning out to be more than just a ceremonial appearance. Between her new restaurant launch, fun-filled moments with Owens, and continued charm with fans, she’s once again proving there’s no stage too big-or too unexpected-for her to shine.
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