Drama seems to be a constant companion for the Turkey Leg Hut brand, as the popular Third Ward restaurant finds itself embroiled in controversy once again—this time, over the unauthorized use of food trucks.
For several months, Lyndell “Lynn” Price has been running food trucks and various pop-up events under the Turkey Leg Hut label, even after his termination from the main restaurant and the issuance of a restraining order against him. In a recent Instagram story, Nakia Holmes, co-owner of the Turkey Leg Hut, addressed the “unauthorized” use of the brand, though she did not specifically name Price, who is also her estranged spouse.
“Please be informed that neither Turkey Leg Hut nor myself are affiliated…unless explicitly stated on our official social media pages or website,” Holmes wrote. “[They] neither have our recipes nor meet our quality standards, leading to inconsistencies…” Holmes’ statement came after Price launched a series of traveling pop-up and food truck events across the U.S. under the name “Turkey Leg Hut Express and Oyster Hut.” According to Price’s social media, the tour has made stops in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and other states, even featuring at rapper Rick Ross’ popular car and motorcycle show.
The backdrop to Price’s pop-up tour includes a temporary restraining order issued against him in June as part of the Turkey Leg Hut bankruptcy case. This order barred Price from coming near the restaurant’s location on Almeda Road, its nearby prep kitchen, and its parking lot. At that time, Price’s culinary spinoff, The Oyster Hut, was also removed from the premises. On social media, Price claims that the restaurant’s management was upset because his hustle continued, and he was allegedly making more money than the Turkey Leg Hut by selling oysters.
Despite the legal battles and public disagreements, The Oyster Hut, which emerged from Price and Holmes’ contentious split, appears to have found success, with its early days attracting long lines of eager customers. However, the venture has not been without its controversies, including accusations from former business partner Royal “Tiger” Bellock, who claimed Price stole his recipes. In February, Holmes officially announced that the Turkey Leg Hut had severed ties with Price due to financial discrepancies discovered within the restaurant’s accounts—allegations Price has consistently denied.
In response to the ongoing situation, Houston gospel singer James Fortune, who owns a stake in the Turkey Leg Hut, took to social media to share his perspective after being called out for his part.
“For far too long, we have sat idly by as our names and characters have been quietly assassinated through private conversations and thinly-veiled social media posts laced in such cowardly words that they fail to identify us by name,” Fortune wrote. He detailed their involvement in the business, stating that they had supported a partner who ultimately acted in her self-interest. He emphasized that they have since separated themselves from the turmoil surrounding the Turkey Leg Hut and are now focused on operating an independent food truck business.
“We operate an outstanding business separate and above The Turkey Leg Hut & Company. We are here now to expand our business improving the recipes that made Turkey Leg Hut & Company World Famous,” Fortune concluded.