HOUSTON – A Third Ward staple has found itself in hot water and in a slew of financial troubles which has reportedly led to the termination of more than half of their employees, including one of the founders.
The layoffs come just months after news broke about the married owners’ public separation.
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On Monday, Feb. 5, co-founder of The Turkey Leg Hut Lynn Price announced on his Instagram page that he was abruptly fired from his position. His posts indicate that he, along with half of the other employees, learned of the decision via email, with some claiming they haven’t been paid for months.
In the email, a consultant for the restaurant said that the decision was made based on the company’s need to align operational costs with financial realities.
Since the news of their termination, several employees have banned together to create a GoFundMe account which they said will help with their ‘rent, food and monthly bills.’
Lynn, who started the restaurant alongside his now-estranged wife Nakia Holmes (formerly Nakia Price) back in 2017, responded in the caption, saying, ‘I can’t make this sh*t up.’
Last year, Nakia gave insight into the marital issues the couple has faced and said that the two parted ways after claiming that Lynn repeatedly abused her.
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Nakia wrote on social media that the abuse, manipulation, lies, and narcissism from Lynn had become unbearable.
“The man that me and my children know is cruel, abusive emotionally and mentally, and completely void of any emotion,” Nakia wrote. “I know after I win this war, I’ll FINALLY have my peace.”
In July 2023, court records show that she filed a temporary restraining order against her husband along with other court documents which appear to be sealed.
Back in Jan. 2023, reports were circulating about financial trouble at the popular eatery. KPRC 2 received a copy of a lawsuit that claimed that the TLH was being sued for more than $1.2 million by US Foods, a food service distributor which filed the lawsuit in December 2022.
“The total amount currently due and owing from Turkey Leg under the Turkey Leg Customer Agreement is $1,288,583.12, exclusive of interest, costs, and fees,” the lawsuit reads.
KPRC 2 reached out to the Turkey Leg Hut for comment and is awaiting a response.
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