Turkey Leg Hut Owner in Jail? Investigating Nakia Holmes’ Legal and Financial Woes

Posted: May 1, 2025 | By US Prison Guide Team

The Turkey Leg Hut, a Houston-based restaurant famous for its oversized, Cajun-spiced turkey legs, has been a culinary landmark since its founding in 2015, drawing crowds with its unique flavors and vibrant atmosphere. But behind the scenes, the restaurant’s co-founder, Nakia Holmes, has faced significant challenges, from financial disputes to a high-profile divorce, leading some to ask: Is the Turkey Leg Hut owner in jail? As of May 1, 2025, Nakia Holmes is not in jail, nor has she faced criminal charges related to her business or personal life. However, she and her ex-husband, Lyndell “Lynn” Price, have been embroiled in legal battles over the restaurant’s finances, including a bankruptcy filing and allegations of mismanagement. Let’s take a closer look at Nakia Holmes’ journey, the Turkey Leg Hut’s rise and struggles, and why rumors of jail time have surfaced.

The Turkey Leg Hut: A Houston Success Story

The Turkey Leg Hut started as a humble food stall at the Houston Rodeo in 2015, founded by Nakia Holmes and Lyndell “Lynn” Price, a couple with a vision to bring oversized, flavorful turkey legs to the masses. Their Cajun-inspired recipes, featuring flavors like “Dirty Rice Stuffed” and “Alfredo Shrimp,” quickly gained a cult following, leading to the opening of a brick-and-mortar location at 4830 Almeda Rd, Houston, TX, in 2017. By 2019, the restaurant was a national sensation, attracting celebrities like Drake, Snoop Dogg, and Beyoncé, who praised the food on social media. Lines stretched around the block, with wait times often exceeding two hours, and the Turkey Leg Hut became a symbol of Houston’s diverse culinary scene.

Nakia Holmes, the creative force behind the brand, was celebrated for her entrepreneurial spirit, earning accolades like the 2019 Houston Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” award. The restaurant’s success led to plans for expansion, with talks of new locations in Dallas and Atlanta by 2020. But beneath the surface, tensions were brewing between Nakia and Lynn, setting the stage for legal battles that would raise questions: Is the Turkey Leg Hut owner in jail? Let’s explore the drama that unfolded.

Legal and Financial Drama: The Turkey Leg Hut’s Downfall

The Turkey Leg Hut’s success story took a dark turn in 2020 when Nakia Holmes and Lynn Price’s marriage began to unravel, leading to a contentious divorce and a series of legal disputes that threatened the restaurant’s future. The question—Is the Turkey Leg Hut owner in jail?—stems from these high-profile battles, though they’re more about finances than criminal activity. Here’s a breakdown of the key events.

2020: Divorce and Initial Lawsuits

In June 2020, Nakia Holmes filed for divorce from Lynn Price, citing irreconcilable differences. The couple, who had been married since 2013, were equal partners in the Turkey Leg Hut, each owning 50% of the business. The divorce quickly turned ugly, with Nakia accusing Lynn of mismanaging the restaurant’s finances, including failing to pay taxes and vendors. According to court documents filed in Harris County, Nakia alleged that Lynn had withdrawn over $1.2 million from the business account without her consent, using the funds for personal expenses like luxury cars and gambling trips to Las Vegas.

Lynn countered with his own allegations, claiming Nakia was attempting to push him out of the business and had locked him out of the restaurant’s operations. The legal battle spilled into the public eye, with local Houston news outlets like KHOU covering the drama extensively. Fans of the Turkey Leg Hut were shocked, with some on X asking, “Are they going to shut down?” The financial disputes raised concerns, but did they lead to jail time? Is the Turkey Leg Hut owner in jail? Not at this point—Nakia and Lynn were focused on civil litigation, not criminal charges.

2022: Bankruptcy Filing and Allegations of Fraud

By February 2022, the Turkey Leg Hut was in dire financial straits, owing over $4.6 million to creditors, including $1.9 million in back taxes to the IRS, according to bankruptcy filings in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas. Nakia Holmes and Lynn Price, still embroiled in their divorce, jointly filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on February 14, 2022, hoping to restructure the business and save it from closure. The filing revealed significant debts to vendors, employees, and even the Houston Rodeo, where the Turkey Leg Hut had started.

During the bankruptcy proceedings, Nakia accused Lynn of fraudulent behavior, alleging he had falsified financial records to hide profits from her and creditors. Lynn denied the claims, arguing that Nakia’s mismanagement—such as overspending on marketing and renovations—had contributed to the debt. The court appointed a mediator to oversee the bankruptcy, but tensions escalated when Nakia filed a separate lawsuit against Lynn in March 2022, seeking to dissolve their partnership and gain full control of the business. “She’s trying to ruin me,” Lynn told a Houston Chronicle reporter in 2022, while Nakia insisted she was protecting the Turkey Leg Hut’s legacy.

The bankruptcy case and fraud allegations fueled rumors of criminal activity, leading some to ask: Is the Turkey Leg Hut owner in jail for fraud? As of May 2025, no criminal charges have been filed against Nakia Holmes or Lynn Price related to the bankruptcy or fraud allegations. The case remains a civil matter, with the bankruptcy restructuring ongoing and the Turkey Leg Hut still operating, though under financial strain.

2024: Divorce Settlement and Continued Struggles

In January 2024, Nakia Holmes and Lynn Price finalized their divorce after nearly four years of litigation. The settlement, reached in Harris County Family Court, awarded Nakia 75% ownership of the Turkey Leg Hut, while Lynn retained 25% and agreed to step back from day-to-day operations. Nakia also received the Almeda Rd property, valued at $2.5 million, though she was ordered to pay Lynn $500,000 for his share over five years. The settlement was a victory for Nakia, but it didn’t resolve the restaurant’s financial woes, as the bankruptcy case continued to drag on.

By late 2024, the Turkey Leg Hut faced new challenges, including a 30% drop in revenue due to rising food costs and competition from other Houston eateries. Nakia implemented cost-cutting measures, such as reducing staff and scaling back the menu, but the restaurant’s future remains uncertain. The ongoing legal and financial drama has kept rumors alive, with some speculating: Is the Turkey Leg Hut owner in jail for financial crimes? As of May 2025, Nakia Holmes is not in jail, and no criminal charges have been filed against her, though the civil disputes have taken a toll on her public image.

Why the Jail Rumors Persist

The question “Is the Turkey Leg Hut owner in jail?” persists because of the high-profile nature of Nakia Holmes’ legal battles and the public’s fascination with the restaurant’s downfall. The Turkey Leg Hut was once a symbol of Houston’s entrepreneurial spirit, but its financial struggles and the messy divorce between Nakia and Lynn have cast a shadow over its legacy. Local media coverage, such as articles in the Houston Chronicle and KHOU, has kept the drama in the spotlight, with headlines like “Turkey Leg Hut Faces Bankruptcy Amid Divorce Battle” fueling speculation about potential criminal activity.

Social media has amplified the rumors, with some X users in Houston asking, “Did Nakia get locked up for fraud?” after the bankruptcy filing in 2022. Others have speculated about Lynn Price, wondering if his alleged financial mismanagement led to jail time. The lack of clear resolution in the bankruptcy case, combined with the complexity of the fraud allegations, has led some to assume that criminal charges—and jail time—might be involved. But is the Turkey Leg Hut owner in jail? The answer is no—Nakia Holmes is free and focused on saving her business, though the road ahead is rocky.

The Impact on Houston’s Culinary Scene

The Turkey Leg Hut’s struggles have reverberated through Houston’s culinary scene, where it was once a beacon of Black-owned business success. The restaurant employed over 50 people at its peak, many from the local Almeda community, and its closure would be a significant loss. “It’s more than just food—it’s a cultural spot,” a longtime customer told a local reporter in 2024, reflecting the sentiment of many Houstonians who hope the Turkey Leg Hut can recover.

In Redwood County, Minnesota, where Houston’s food culture resonates through food festivals and local eateries, the Turkey Leg Hut’s story has sparked discussion among residents who admire Nakia Holmes’ entrepreneurial journey. “She’s a fighter,” a Redwood Falls restaurant owner said in a 2024 interview, noting the parallels between Houston’s food scene and Redwood County’s growing culinary interest. But the question remains: Is the Turkey Leg Hut owner in jail, or will she overcome these challenges to rebuild her legacy?

What’s Next for Nakia Holmes and the Turkey Leg Hut?

As of May 1, 2025, Nakia Holmes is not in jail and is working to stabilize the Turkey Leg Hut. The bankruptcy case is still ongoing, with a hearing scheduled for June 2025 to determine the restaurant’s restructuring plan. Nakia has launched a crowdfunding campaign on GoFundMe, raising $150,000 by April 2025 to help pay off debts and keep the doors open. She’s also introduced new menu items, like a vegan turkey leg alternative, to attract a broader customer base, showing her determination to adapt.

However, the financial strain and public scrutiny continue to weigh heavily. If the bankruptcy plan fails, the Turkey Leg Hut could face closure, a devastating outcome for Nakia and her employees. The question—Is the Turkey Leg Hut owner in jail?—may be unfounded, but the legal and financial battles she faces are very real. Nakia’s story is one of resilience, a reminder that even in the face of adversity, entrepreneurs can fight to preserve their dreams.