Turkey Leg Hut is caught up in yet another legal battle. This time, gospel singer James Fortune and his wife Rhaquele have filed a lawsuit against the popular restaurant.
TSR previously reported that Turkey Leg Hut faced closure 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 On Gospel Singer’s Lawsuit Against Turkey Leg Hut
KHOU11 reports that James Fortune and his wife are suing Turkey Leg Hut owner Nakia Price after investing $300,00 into 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 called Rhaquele in distress, saying that creditors were seizing her business assets and she needed more financial assistance. In response, the Fortunes loaned her an additional $100,000.
“She was hysterical because the controllers were physically there to seize assets and so she needed financial assistance immediately,” Rhaquele said.
Soon after, the Fortunes invested $180,000 to acquire 15% of Turkey Leg Hut. The following month, Nakia informed 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, you know, we’re $300,000 in. Bankruptcy was filed a month after we had given that money. We come to find out they’re millions in debt now,” James added.
The Fortunes also covered employee wages when the restaurant fell short, hoping to keep the business afloat. This week, the Fortunes filed a lawsuit against Nakia Price, seeking to recover their money. The lawsuit claims she defrauded them regarding Turkey Leg Hut’s financial status and falsely stated the restaurant was “unencumbered and free of all liabilities” when selling them partial ownership.
Social Media Reacts
The Roommates quickly reacted to the news about the Fortunes and the Prices in The Shade Room’s comment section.
Instagram user @icecube_shah wrote, “They literally had a million dollars business and fumbled it by being Shiesty people.”
Instagram user @_suckafreesi wrote, “What wasn’t clicking after they lent her the first 50k?”
While Instagram user @nolasaintsgirl504 wrote, “My father always stated, “If you lend money to anyone, 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 be living a fake lifestyle on social media.”
Another Instagram user @twiylla wrote, “It’s ironic that their names are Fortune and Price.”
Instagram user @hec_wooder_ice wrote, “Had they let folks come in an eat in their pjs, this all coulda been avoided.”
More Details On Turkey Leg Hut’s Shut Down
The Shade Room previously reported that inspectors discovered 35 violations at Turkey Leg Hut on Almeda Road in Houston, citing conditions that jeopardize public health.
According to Fox26Houston, the restaurant broke health codes related to improper containers, pest control, flooring, ventilation, and other issues. Turkey Leg Hut announced on Instagram that it would stay closed for renovations until Sunday, September 22, assuring customers of a better dining experience. Despite these promises, the health department has not set a reopening date. KHOU11 reports that health officials require the restaurant to remain closed until it resolves the issues and passes a follow-up health inspection.
