Houston’s infamous Turkey Leg Hut is collaborating with another restaurant, raising concerns about whether working with the controversy-laden institution is a good idea.
Chicago-style fried chicken restaurant Harold’s Chicken and Sports Bar announced a special collaboration is coming with The Turkey Leg Hut, but did not reveal the date. Harold’s posted the announcement on Threads and Instagram in collaboration with Turkey Leg Hut Owner Nakia Holmes, who appears in the promotional video for the collab. The pop-up will feature the famous giant smoked turkey legs that made the Turkey Leg Hut the extremely popular destination it was.
Commenters had very mixed reactions to the announcement, with many asking why the chicken joint, which opened in March 2026 on Houston’s Washington Avenue, would pair itself up with a restaurant with such a negative reputation.
“Harold’s please don’t do business with them folks!!! I beg. Do your due diligence!!!” one comment urged Harold’s.
“Reconsider, read some literature on the subject lol…” another concerned commenter wrote.
“Mind you, absolutely no one asked for this lol,” another added.
On the other side, those missing their weekly dose of various turkey and soul-food inspired dishes are anticipating the return of meals like TLH’s famous Cajun Bowl. The clamoring for TLH’s pop-up return is a reminder that despite its rap sheet of controversies and crimes, it was popular for a reason. However, the infamous tag is very much warranted, looking at the restaurant’s dramatic history.
Nakia Holmes and Lyndell Price, who were married at the time, opened the Turkey Leg Hut in 2017. The Third Ward restaurant quickly became one of the most popular spots in the city, famous for their various coveted smoked turkey legs and other soul food-inspired dishes. Celebrities like Drake and Snoop Dogg visited. It was, for better or worse, an it spot until its closure in 2024 after filing for bankruptcy.
Throughout its run, Turkey Leg Hut was sued by the residents of Third Ward over significant parking congestion and strong, unpleasant smoke, which resulted in temporary restraining orders and limits on outdoor cooking hours. The restaurant additionally faced a $1.3 million lawsuit by US Foods for outstanding debts and was forced to pay a $900,000-plus judgment given to original investor Steve Rogers, which put the restaurant under tremendous financial strain.
Beyond the many complaints levied against it during its operation, including predatory dress codes, long lines with no shade, and noise complaints, the enterprise’s criminal history has cast a dark cloud over its legacy. Chiefly, the firebombing of a rival restaurant and bar, Bar 5015, which Price allegedly orchestrated in June 2020.