Turkey Leg Hut Owner Explains Layoffs and Why Her Estranged Husband Was Let Go

Owner of the well-known Turkey Leg Hut restaurant in Houston, Nakia Holmes, has issued a statement outlining the recent layoffs and the departure of her husband Lyndell Price.

Holmes says that six employees were furloughed following an investigation into the company’s finances, which revealed “financial discrepancies.” She also confirmed that the restaurant has not paid its employees for the past two weeks.

In a statement, Holmes said, “I was later made aware of possible financial mismanagement at my company after finding strength in leaving an abusive marriage.” “This prompted me to initiate a meticulous review with my new finance team. Unfortunately, we quickly uncovered financial discrepancies that demanded immediate action. Due to this, there was a brief two-week pay delay, and it was decided to let go of six important team members with the understanding that they would be hired back in the late summer. “.

Holmes filed for divorce from Price in May 2023. Price, the former co-owner of Turkey Leg Hut, shared on Instagram a notice he received from a management consulting firm that Holmes had engaged to evaluate the restaurant’s books. He later deleted the post.

“Our immediate plan is to address the two-week back pay promptly and continue on the path to ensuring The Turkey Leg Hut is celebrated not just for our nationally known cuisine but also for our exemplary business practices, cementing our commitment to a stronger, more cohesive future,” Holmes wrote.

CW39 reported that some employees claim the back pay issue goes back further than two weeks, but this information has not been confirmed.

In a message to employees, Holmes said that her “personal journey has undergone considerable changes, including a divorce that, in more ways than one, has impacted not just my life but the operational stability of our business.”

“The Turkey Leg Hut is navigating a significant period of change, which calls for making tough choices. I apologize to my employees who felt the blows. When we’ve fully recovered, I hope to invite them back,” Holmes wrote.

Although Holmes says she is dedicated to making sure Turkey Leg Hut succeeds, it is unclear what the restaurant’s future holds.

Here are some key takeaways from the article:

• Nakia Holmes is the sole owner of Turkey Leg Hut.
• Six employees were laid off due to financial mismanagement.
• The restaurant has not paid its employees for the past two weeks.
• Holmes is committed to addressing the back pay issue and ensuring the restaurant’s future success.

This is a developing story, and we will continue to provide updates as they become available.