Houston’s Turkey Leg Hut Ordered to Close Following Failed Health Inspection

The famous (or rather infamous) Turkey Leg Hut was ordered to close last week following a failed health inspection. Numerous violations “including conditions that pose an imminent threat to public health” were cited.

Famous for their stuffed turkey legs, legal battle between owners, a fire, and now red and pink stickers on the front of the building, Turkey Leg Hut has been in the news for some time.

How long will they be closed? Will they reopen?

Here’s what we know about the Turkey Leg Hut closure.

Turkey Leg Hut Received 35 Violations in Recent Inspection

The Turkey Leg Hut restaurant, located at 4830 Almeda Rd just outside of Houston’s Medical Center and Museum District was ordered to close following a failed health inspection.

Turkey Leg Hut

4830 Almeda Rd

Houston, TX 77004

From food refrigerators at improper holding temperature to mishandling and storing food items, food storage, and equipment, the Houston Health Department noted 35 violations during their inspection on September 19, 2024.

Several pieces of equipment were “red tagged” and placed into quarantine. “These items may not be used until approved to do so by the health officer”. Namely, two prep coolers that were not holding appropriate temperature for food safety and the restaurant’s Pit Room where they smoke the turkey legs.

Some of these violations included:

• Food items are being transported across the street and returned to the restaurant location.
• Food items were stored outside. A wood cabinet outside between the pit room and kitchen housed food items (seasonings, etc.), pots and pans, and single service articles.
• Broken or absence of thermometers in refrigeration units.
• Items stored directly on the floor. Both drinks and plastic cups were found sitting directly on the floor. Health code requires a minimum of six inches above the floor on approved shelving to reduce contamination.
• Working without hair restraint. During the inspection, a male employee was observed working with food at the stove without a hair restraint.
• Refrigerators storing food not holding appropriate temperature. Refrigerators must be able to hold food at or below 41° F to reduce the growth of harmful foodborne pathogens.
• Dirty equipment. The inspector observed a black reside in nozzle of soda gun and sticky residue on refrigerator doors.
• Sink operated without hot water. The kitchen’s three compartment sink did not have hot water. The report indicated that the restaurant plumber said that due to a possible leak, the hot water was turned off at the valve.
• Food storage items must be cleaned inside the building. The inspector observed an employee “spray washing bulk storage bin from BAR area outside with a water hose.”
• Food trays located near the hand washing sink. Splash/splatter from the handwashing sink may contaminate clean equipment and food.
• Food storage equipment was stored outside of the building. “Observed igloo coolers similar to the one used to store turkey legs inside the building stored outside (in unclean condition) next to wall adjacent to outside walk-in units.” Food storage equipment should never be stored outside.
• Standing water in the BAR area. Leaking or condensation from a compressor caused water to pool on the floor. Excess water from floors should be squeegeed and floors kept clean of food debris.
• Frozen food left outside of refrigeration in pit room.
• Pit room was “red tagged.” Until new plans and violations to the space are corrected, the room may not be used.

It is this last violation that could effectively close the restaurant for some time. The pit room is where they cook their turkey legs in their characteristic way.

Turkey Leg Hut to Remain Closed Until Issues Are Resolved

Health officials said that the restaurant must remain closed until the issues are resolved. A follow-up inspection to ensure corrective measures were taken and the restaurant can prepare food safely in accordance with health code requirements.

The company announced on their social media that the restaurant would be closed over the weekend for “renovations.”

“Attention, TLH fam! We’ll be closed this Friday through Sunday (9/20 – 9/22) for some exciting renovations!

We’re working on making your Turkey Leg Hut experience even better, so stay tuned for what’s coming next. Trust us, it’s worth the wait!

#ClosedForRenovations #SomethingBigIsComing #TurkeyLegHut

— e The Turkey Leg Hut.”

Turkey Leg Hut May Close Permanently

According to reports, the restaurant has been in the process of filing Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This filing was made earlier this spring in hopes that the business could remain open. Under the management of a trustee.

Following recent events with health code violations and required closure, the court appointed trustee moved to change these proceedings to a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

The difference?

A Chapter 11 bankruptcy allows for the business to continue operation. Chapter 7 bankruptcy involves liquidating assets and closing the business.

The parties will have 21 days to respond to the change of filing for the judge to issue a ruling.

This could complicate matters for those who may have fallen sick from consuming unsafe food from the establishment.

Have You Become Sick from Eating at The Turkey Leg Hut Restaurant?

If you have become sick from eating at the Turkey Leg Hut and wish to make a legal claim, The Lange Law Firm can help.

Becoming sick from eating food that you expect to be safe is a breach of trust. Medical bills, lost wages, and other burdens associated with foodborne illness can play a toll.

The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has successfully helped people with cases just like yours.

Call (833) 330-3663 or send an email to go over the details of your situation to determine if you have a legal case.

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By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)