Houston's embattled Turkey Leg Hut is closed indefinitely after landlord terminates lease

Since 2017, the food scene in Houston’s Third Ward has been synonymous with Nakia Holmes and Lyndell “Lynn” Price's Turkey Leg Hut.

But, the popular eatery at 4830 Almeda Road will have to set up shop elsewhere now that its lease has been terminated. 

Chief United States Bankruptcy Court Judge Eduardo Rodriguez signed an order on Nov. 22 granting CNPH Properties, LLC. relief from automatic stay against 4830 Almeda Road — ultimately allowing a creditor to take action against the debtor’s property. CNPH Properties, LLC., the landlord, submitted an amended motion in October requesting the court authorize foreclosure or repossession of the property.  At the time of the filing, Holmes reportedly owed CNPH Properties, LLC. $109,790.00. 

Court documents indicated total pre- and post-petition arrearages amounted to $56,120.00 while total post-petition arrearages added up to $44,450.00. The United States Bankruptcy Court defines post-petition arrears as past-due payments, fees or charges that occur after filing for bankruptcy protection. Pre-petition arrears are amounts owed before filing for bankruptcy. 

FINANCIAL STRUGGLES: Turkey Leg Hut owner Nakia Holmes files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, court records show

Holmes and Price started the Turkey Leg Hut in 2015 in a parking lot across from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo behind Cavender’s. Two years later, they moved the bustling business to 4830 Almeda Street where diners formed lines around the block waiting to get their hands on the fall-off-the-bone turkey legs covered in shrimp Alfredo, dirty rice or other savory toppings such as crawfish macaroni and cheese.

But, in the past year, Holmes has been met with constant controversy between the announcement of her divorce from Price, the filing of Chapter 11 bankruptcy and lawsuits from former business partners and friends. Not to mention, the Turkey Leg Hut has been closed for business for nearly three months. In early October, the Houston Health Department’s inspection of the restaurant revealed more than 30 health code violations prompting its immediate closure. 

During a 341 meeting on Zoom earlier this month, Holmes spoke in detail about the “demise” of the Turkey Leg Hut. As part of the meeting, trustee Ronald Sommers asked Holmes several questions including “How would you explain to the creditors of Turkey Leg Hut why the business did not succeed?"

CHANGE OF PLANS: Texas judge converts Turkey Leg Hut's Chapter 11 bankruptcy to Chapter 7, citing violations of order

“Honestly, there was a multitude of things,” Holmes said. “For the most part, it was mishandling and mismanagement of funds. There was a lot of theft that occurred.”

Holmes said she stopped accepting cash at the restaurant "to stop the bleeding of Mr. Price going into the register (and) taking money” and that his alleged actions led to her being unable to make payroll. She also claimed Price treated staff and patrons poorly, which played a role in Turkey Leg Hut’s downfall. 

“The fact of the matter is that it was not in his name and because it wasn’t in his name, there was just carelessness,” Holmes said in the Zoom meeting. “There was a callousness and carelessness that he just didn’t care. To combat with that daily, on a daily basis, of trying to stop someone from actively taking from the business, it takes a toll on the business.” 

THE BLAME GAME: Turkey Leg Hut owner blames 'demise' of restaurant on husband, claims he mishandled funds

Despite Holmes’ claims, Price has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Back in September, he wrote a post on Instagram addressing rumors regarding his involvement. 

"Today, I was made aware of outrageous and false claims stating that I have stolen, threatened and brought down the business that I built from the ground up," Price wrote on Instagram at the time. "As everyone knows, I have always been passionate and care about every project I am involved in and are connected to."

Following the 341 meeting, Sommers issued a notice of assets and requested creditors to submit proof of claims by Feb. 3 to receive distribution.