The Houston culinary scene took a hit as the famed Turkey Leg Hut & Company, LLC., known for its savory menu and legal dramas alike, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The Southern District of Texas saw the case filed on March 26, shaking up the restaurant's future. Despite its financial tribulations, the Turkey Leg Hut website remains open to customers looking forward to making reservations.
In the midst of its financial strife, Turkey Leg Hut owner Nakia Holmes assured patrons, "The story of Turkey Leg Hut is not yet written. Our goal is to make you proud," in a statement shared on the restaurant's Instagram account. The Chapter 11 bankruptcy process is meant to drastically allow the restaurant to continue talks with creditors and keep its operations afloat, while ensuring obligations to stakeholders, employees, suppliers, and vendors are met.
The restaurant, a beloved staple with over a million followers on social media, continues to serve the Houston community, but has been entangled in controversies, including a heated legal battle with former co-owner Lyndell Price and a lawsuit brought by former partner Steve Rogers. The latter, represented by Sean Roberts of Roberts Markland LLP, resulted in a judge ordering a payment of $931,111.12 to Rogers after Holmes and Price were accused of defaulting on a buyout deal. "However, the hearing on the receiver is automatically stayed now that Turkey Leg Hut & Company LLC filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy," Roberts stated to KPRC 2.
Adding to the company's troubles, the Turkey Leg Hut business office was severely affected by a fire on March 9, as per Houston Chronicle reports. No injuries occurred, but the event marked another setback for the establishment.
Nakia Holmes co-founded the Turkey Leg Hut in 2015 with then-husband Lyndell Price, soon becoming an iconic destination for locals and visitors alike. Despite the current challenges, she remains optimistic about the future of the business, urging the community for continued backing: "Turkey Leg Hut remains committed to its purpose: serving the Houston community and beyond," she wrote on Instagram in a heartfelt plea for support. The course for this iconic Houston eatery is, as of yet, uncharted.
