Lyndell "Lynn" Price once lived a life most could only dream of — private jets, celebrity endorsements, luxury cars, and a viral restaurant empire that put Houston’s Third Ward back in the national spotlight. But now, the former Turkey Leg Hut co-owner's world has seemingly come crashing down.
Lyndell “Lynn” Price once lived a life most could only dream of — private jets, celebrity endorsements, luxury cars, and a viral restaurant empire that put Houston’s Third Ward back in the national spotlight. But now, the former Turkey Leg Hut co-owner’s world has seemingly come crashing down.
Price has been federally indicted on charges of conspiracy to commit arson and arson involving interstate commerce, accused of orchestrating a 2020 explosion that devastated a rival business. If convicted, he faces decades in federal prison — the latest chapter in a saga marked by spectacular success and equally stunning downfall.
READ DOJ Press Release: Former Turkey Leg Hut owner indicted for arson
Launched with his now ex-wife Nakia Price, the Turkey Leg Hut quickly exploded into one of Houston’s most talked-about culinary destinations. Their massive smoked and stuffed turkey legs attracted lines around the block, while celebrities like Katt Williams, Dave Chappelle, Rick Ross, 50 Cent, Paul Wall, and Slim Thug routinely stopped by when in town.
Social media only amplified the mythos. Lynn Price proudly shared his rags-to-riches journey, flaunting luxury cars through his “Lynn’s Garage” car club, posting images aboard private jets, and painting a picture of unstoppable success.
But behind the viral images, troubles were mounting.
In 2021, Turkey Leg Hut found itself at the center of national controversy when it implemented a strict dress code banning du-rags, wave caps, excessively revealing clothing, and baggy attire. Critics blasted the policy as discriminatory, especially given the restaurant’s location and clientele. The backlash sparked heated debate about respectability politics, race, and Black-owned business standards.
Legal and financial issues soon followed.
Major food distributor US Foods sued the restaurant over more than $1.2 million in unpaid invoices. Former employees accused management of wage theft and mismanagement, filing multiple lawsuits. A nasty dispute with business associate Steve Rogers resulted in a nearly $1 million court judgment against Price.
As the controversies piled up, cracks widened at home, too.
In 2024, Nakia Price filed for divorce, publicly alleging financial misconduct and emotional turmoil behind the glitzy social media façade. Nakia claims that Lynn was abusive, an adulterer and a narcissist.
Their messy separation — playing out across Instagram posts and court documents — became just as much a public spectacle as the restaurant’s success had been.
Ultimately, the Turkey Leg Hut filed for bankruptcy and closed its doors in late 2024, ending an era that had once symbolized Black entrepreneurial excellence in Houston’s historic Third Ward.
Now, Lynn Price faces the gravest threat yet — federal prison.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Price orchestrated the arson of Bar 5015 by directing associates to douse the entrance ramp with gasoline and ignite it, causing massive structural damage. He also allegedly masterminded the arson of a stolen classic 1975 Chevy Nova in a separate insurance fraud scheme.
Both crimes fall under federal statutes, given the businesses’ involvement in interstate commerce.
If convicted on all charges, Price faces up to 45 years in federal prison — 20 years each for the Bar 5015 and vehicle arsons, plus an additional 5 years for conspiracy.
He is currently being held pending a detention hearing scheduled for early May. A plea has not yet been entered.
According to various reports, when pulled over, Price – who has been called a bully by former employees and associates – had tears running down his face.
