Turkey leg hut is involved in another legal dispute. This time a gospel singer James Fortune and his wife Rhaquele have filed a lawsuit against the popular restaurant.
TSR previously reported that Turkey Leg Hut was forced to close due to “35 serious health code violations.” However, the restaurant claimed on social media that it was closed for renovations.
RELATED: Houston Health Department closes Turkey Leg Hut for 35 health code violations
Details of Gospel Singer's Lawsuit Against Turkey Leg Hut
KHOU11 reports that James Fortune and his wife Nakia Price, owner of Turkey Leg Hut, are suing after investing $300,00 in the restaurant. James and Rhaquele met Turkey Leg Hut owner Nakia Price and her husband Lyndell at the venue in 2018. In December, during the Prices' divorce proceedings, the Fortunes loaned Nakia $100,000.
Months later, Nakia frantically called Rhaquele to tell her that creditors were seizing her business assets and she needed more financial support. In response, the Fortunes loaned her another $100,000.
“She was hysterical because the inspectors were physically there seizing assets and so she needed immediate financial support,” Rhaquele said.
Soon after, the Fortunes invested $180,000 to acquire 15% of Turkey Leg Hut. The following month, Nakia told them she couldn't pay the bills, so Rhaquele had to use her personal card for food, supplies and staff wages.
“By then we’re at, you know, $300,000. A month after we gave the money, they filed for bankruptcy. We realize they are now millions in debt,” James added.
The Fortunes also covered employees' wages when the restaurant failed, hoping to keep the business afloat. This week, the Fortunes filed a lawsuit against Nakia Price to get their money back. The lawsuit alleges she defrauded them about Turkey Leg Hut's financial condition and falsely represented that the restaurant was “unencumbered and free of any liabilities” when she sold them partial ownership.
Social media reactions
The housemates were quick to respond to the news about Fortunes and the Prices in the comments section of The Shade Room.
Instagram user @icecube_shah wrote: “They literally had a million-dollar business and screwed it up by being shy people.”
Instagram user @_suckafreesi wrote: “What went wrong after they loaned her the first 50,000?”
While Instagram users @nolasaintsgirl504 wrote: “My dad always said, 'If you're going to lend someone money, make sure you can afford it. You'll probably never get it back.'
Then Instagram user @whitneyyy_nicole wrote: “Wow!!! This is proof that people on social media are living a wrong lifestyle.”
Another Instagram user @twiylla wrote: “It’s ironic that they’re called Fortune and Price.”
Instagram user @hec_wooder_ice wrote: “If they had let people come to dinner in their pajamas, all of this could have been avoided.”
Finally, Instagram user @bkbabyy06 wrote: “Lawyers have a damn hard time in 2024. Litigation is flying left and right.”
More details on Turkey Leg Hut closure
The Shade Room previously reported that inspectors discovered 35 violations at the Turkey Leg Hut on Almeda Road in Houston, citing conditions that endanger public health.
According to Fox26Houston, the restaurant violated health codes related to improper containers, pest control, flooring, ventilation and other issues. Turkey Leg Hut announced on Instagram that it will remain closed until Sunday, September 22nd for renovations to ensure a better dining experience for customers. Despite these promises, the health department has not set a reopening date. KHOU11 reports that health officials are requiring the restaurant to remain closed until the issues are resolved and a subsequent health inspection is passed.
What do you think, roommates?
