Convenience Big Store: Ramadan at the rodeo: Inside a vendor’s 13-hour shift while fasting

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March 20, 2026

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Stephen El Gidi runs his food stall, Drizzle Cheesecakes, at Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in Houston on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

What a popular cheesecake vendor is learning about patience during Ramadan at the Houston rodeo

Eid al-Fitr, which began yesterday evening and ends tonight, marks the end of Ramadan, a period of spiritual reflection defined by fasting from sunrise to sunset.

For Stephen El Gidi, that fast comes with an added challenge.

The former Olympic swimmer owns Drizzle Cheesecakes, a viral sensation selling chocolate-dipped, topping-covered cheesecakes on a stick. Drizzle is a big hit at the Houston rodeo, where El Gidi works 13-hour days during his fast, surrounded by the savory sights and smells that permeate the grounds.

Haajrah Gilani has more on what he's learned about patience from Ramadan and the rodeo.

Matt Wyatt, Audience Producer

matt.wyatt@houstonchronicle.com

🎤 On the big stage

Lainey Wilson performs during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Thursday, March 19, 2026, in Houston.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle

About Last Night: Lainey Wilson

Lainey Wilson delivered a crowd-pleasing performance, becoming the fourth woman to draw around 70,000 fans and rounding out a strong RodeoHouston season for female artists on the rotating stage.

Photo by: Cassie Stricker, Courtesy Of RodeoHouston

Up Next: Parker McCollum

Tonight, Conroe native Parker McCollum returns to the Houston rodeo for his fourth appearance in five years.

Ava Baldwin of Frisco, Texas showed her steer, Gibbs, during a competition this week.

Photo by: Courtesy Photo, Houston Livestock Show And Rodeo

Houston rodeo's Junior Market Steer Auction is Saturday. Where it is and how it works.

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's 2026 Junior Market Steer Auction honors FFA and 4-H students, with big payouts for champions. Read More

Top 10: Ahead of the Junior Market Steer Auction, see the top 10 highest steer bids in Houston rodeo history, including two Grand Champion sales that hit $1 million. Read More
Dress code: Booty shorts at RodeoHouston? The rodeo's response was swift, and most people know how to read the family-friendly room, writes columnist Joy Sewing. Read More
Alexander Ludwig: The popular "The Hunger Games" actor is filming a movie at the Houston rodeo. Read More

📅 The calendar

Tonight: Parker McCollum
March 21: Tim McGraw
March 22: Cody Johnson

🔧 News you can use

Notice: You're receiving this update as part of our special coverage of the rodeo and its impact on Houston's food, music and arts culture. Find the rest of our coverage of RodeoHouston at Houstonchronicle.com