Health department shuts down Turkey Leg Hut due to 'serious health code violations'

HOUSTON — The Houston Health Department shut down Turkey Leg Hut on Thursday due to "serious health code violations."

The health department said the restaurant was issued 35 violations, "including conditions that pose an imminent threat to public health."

Reporter Matt Dougherty will have a live from the restaurant on KHOU 11 News at 6.

Health officials said the restaurant has to remain closed until the issues are resolved and they can do a follow-up inspection to ensure the correct measures were taken.

"We take public health very seriously and will monitor the situation," the health department said.

The restaurant posted on Instagram that it would be closed this weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) for renovations.

Past reporting on Turkey Leg Hut

The restaurant that's known for its massive, stuffed turkey legs and long lines of customers has seen its fair share of drama over the years.

Earlier this year, Turkey Leg Hut filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and documents indicated the restaurant was nearly $5 million in debt.

In 2018, a lawsuit was filed against co-owner Nakia Price after she allegedly failed to pay rent after assuming a lease for Turkey Leg Hut. This civil case is still ongoing, according to court records.

In 2022, US Foods, based in Delaware, filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in Illinois, alleging Turkey Leg Hut owed $85,106.17, but with the interest rate and attorney's fees, the total amounted to $1,288,583.12 as of the court filing.