Turkey Leg Hut: Closure, Controversy & What's Next

Has the vibrant spirit of Houston's Third Ward truly dimmed, or does the legacy of the Turkey Leg Hut still flicker with embers of its former glory? The closure of the iconic restaurant, once a bustling hub of culinary delights and community gatherings, has left a void, raising questions about its demise and the future of the neighborhood's culinary landscape.

The aroma of smoked turkey legs, once a staple in the Third Ward's air, now hangs heavy with the scent of uncertainty. The Turkey Leg Hut, located at 4830 Almeda Road, was once a magnet for food enthusiasts, with customers lining up for a taste of its signature dishes. However, the restaurant's story has taken a turn, marked by financial struggles, legal battles, and a series of events that ultimately led to its closure.

Here's a detailed look at the key individuals involved in the Turkey Leg Hut saga:

Category	Details
Name	Lyndell Lynn Price
Also Known As	Lynn Price
Former Role	Former Owner/Frontman of The Turkey Leg Hut, Current Owner of The Oyster Hut
Legal Issues	Indicted on three counts of arson conspiracy related to Bar 5015.
Business Affiliations	The Turkey Leg Hut, The Oyster Hut
Arrest	Arrested on arson charges.
Related to	Nakia Holmes (Former Business Partner & Wife)
Main Issues	Bankruptcy, Lawsuits, Arson Charges
Website Reference	Fox 26 Houston

The Turkey Leg Hut's demise was not a sudden event but a culmination of various factors. Financial issues plagued the establishment, leading to the filing of chapter 11 bankruptcy in March. Court records revealed a debt burden of $5 million, with liabilities estimated between $1 million and $10 million, involving 19 creditors. The financial strain was compounded by the closure of the restaurant for several days following 34 health code violations, raising questions about the restaurant's operational standards.

The owner, Nakia Holmes, described the period as a pivotal moment of transformation, necessitating difficult decisions. She expressed her apologies to the employees impacted by the closure and conveyed her hope to invite them back once the establishment had fully recovered. However, despite these sentiments, the financial issues were critical to the permanent closure. A judge later converted the chapter 11 bankruptcy to chapter 7, clearing the way for the restaurant's closure in November. The popular eatery closed its doors for good amid an ongoing process to pay back business debts.

The narrative surrounding the Turkey Leg Hut extends beyond the culinary realm and into the legal arena. Lyndell Lynn Price, the former owner, faced legal troubles. He was arrested on arson charges. The indictment, filed in the Southern District of Texas, accused Price and Armani Williams of conspiring to commit arson at Bar 5015 in June 2020. The business owed $4.7 million to creditors and landlords. Holmes is still involved in a lawsuit and a divorce, adding complexity to the situation.

The closure also brought to light the challenges of operating a business in the Third Ward. In 2019, neighbors filed a lawsuit alleging that noxious smoke from the restaurants pits was endangering the community. This highlighted concerns about the restaurants impact on the surrounding environment. The restaurant began to expand its offerings in 2021, possibly in an attempt to diversify its business and increase revenue, but the underlying issues persisted.

Adding to the complexity, in 2022, US Foods filed a lawsuit in Illinois, alleging that the Turkey Leg Hut owed $85,106.17. When factoring in interest and attorney fees, this amount grew significantly. The establishment was also subject to the health department's scrutiny, accumulating over 30 violations. The landlord was owed more than $100,000, underlining the financial pressures faced by the restaurant.

The rise of the Turkey Leg Hut was inextricably linked to the vision of Nakia Holmes and Lyndell Lynn Price. Since 2017, their venture had become synonymous with the food scene in Houstons Third Ward. However, the popular eatery, at 4830 Almeda Road, faced a decline. Holmes has blamed Price for what a bankruptcy trustee described as the demise of the business. The situation culminated in a court-ordered conversion of the establishment's chapter 11 bankruptcy case to chapter 7, signaling the end of an era.

Despite the restaurant's physical closure, its legacy and the controversy surrounding it endure. The "vibe" and the community that the Turkey Leg Hut created are still fondly remembered by some. The "good food, great vibes, and unforgettable moments" that it offered have become nostalgic recollections for its loyal patrons.

Turkey Leg Hut's Lyndell Price faces federal arson charge

Details

Who Is Lyndell 'Lynn' Price? Former Turkey Leg Hut Owner Indicted For

Details

Detail Author:

Name : Prof. Quinten Auer
Username : shanon.kihn
Email : halvorson.dion@murray.com
Birthdate : 1987-08-12
Address : 84263 Cremin Crescent Lake Christbury, OK 12740
Phone : 541.667.2610
Company : Robel, Quigley and Vandervort
Job : Automotive Mechanic
Bio : Sed qui dolorem laudantium temporibus ipsa non. Et a provident nesciunt voluptates. Laborum aut et veniam incidunt deserunt.

Socials

facebook:

url : https://facebook.com/mandyhill
username : mandyhill
bio : Quia officia dolore est quaerat quia consequuntur.
followers : 4628
following : 1265

twitter:

url : https://twitter.com/mandy_hill
username : mandy_hill
bio : Facere unde natus qui enim perferendis autem tempore. Facilis est blanditiis dolorem unde tempore odit. Necessitatibus incidunt vel harum id iure sed.
followers : 6353
following : 1364

linkedin:

url : https://linkedin.com/in/mandyhill
username : mandyhill
bio : Pariatur consectetur qui optio.
followers : 5879
following : 388

instagram:

url : https://instagram.com/hill1971
username : hill1971
bio : Et et assumenda sapiente maxime numquam quod aperiam. Quaerat rerum dolore beatae.
followers : 5021
following : 259