The Turkey Leg Hut, a staple in Houston’s Third Ward, just can’t seem to shake its troubles. The popular eatery is facing yet another legal blow as a judge orders co-owner Lynndell “Lynn” Price and the establishment to shell out over $900,000.
This comes after a contentious few months that involved fire, pay disputes, owner issues and more.
Lawsuits abound
This latest saga arises from a lawsuit initiated by former partner Steve Rogers in February 2023. Rogers alleges that co-owners Nakia Holmes and Price defaulted on a previous agreement to compensate him for his shares in the restaurant, falling short by $1.5 million. Despite paying $600,000 initially, the payments ceased in November 2022, prompting Rogers to seek legal recourse.
The courtroom drama adds to Turkey Leg Hut’s litany of troubles. In December 2022, US Foods lodged a lawsuit against Holmes and Price, alleging a staggering debt of $1.3 million. While Holmes contested the claim, arguing the figures didn’t add up, the mounting financial strain painted a bleak picture for the establishment.
This recent ruling compounds the woes of a business already besieged by creditors and legal disputes. This isn’t the first legal skirmish involving Rogers and Turkey Leg Hut. A previous lawsuit in July 2020 accused Price of diverting funds from the restaurant for personal ventures, sparking a bitter legal feud.
Arson claims
Both lawsuits coincided with incidents of arson, raising eyebrows about possible connections. Before Rogers filed his suit, an explosion rocked his other establishment, Bar 5015, believed to be an act of arson. Similarly, shortly after the recent court ruling, a fire erupted at Turkey Leg Hut’s corporate offices, the circumstances of which remain under investigation.
Relationship woes
Meanwhile, amidst the legal turmoil, the restaurant grapples with internal strife stemming from the fractured relationship between Holmes and Price. Their impending divorce casts a shadow over the business, with Holmes filing for separation in November 2023. Matters worsened when Holmes seemingly terminated Price from his role in the restaurant, citing financial irregularities. However, Price vehemently denies the rumors, asserting that he and Holmes remain partners – even though he opened an oyster pop-up directly across the street from the restaurant.
