Lyndell Price, the former co-owner of the now-closed Turkey Leg Hut, has been charged with federal arson for allegedly plotting to burn down the bar of his former business partner in Houston. This shocking development comes as authorities arrested Price on April 25, 2024, in connection with a 2020 explosion that devastated Bar 5015.
Price appeared in court alongside Armani Williams and John Lee Price, facing serious charges, including conspiracy to commit arson and using interstate means to commit the crime. According to reports, Price allegedly paid both men to set Houston’s Bar 5015, located in the Museum Park area, ablaze on June 12, 2020 at 4 a.m., resulting in a massive fire explosion that destroyed the establishment, owned by Steve Rogers, Price’s former business partner.
In addition to the charges related to the bar fire, Price is also accused of paying the duo to set a stolen car, a 1975 Chevy Nova, on fire in an unrelated incident. If convicted, the trio could face up to 20 years in prison. Currently, Price is being held in a federal detention center without bond, with his next court date scheduled for May 1. Meanwhile, Williams and John Lee Price have been released pending their next hearing.
Authorities suspect that the motive for the alleged attack on Bar 5015 stems from ongoing disputes between Price and Rogers. The two were embroiled in legal battles, with Rogers suing Price and his estranged wife, Nakia Holmes, over financial issues related to their former restaurant empire. Reports indicate that Rogers was seeking at least $100,000 in damages, which may have contributed to the tensions leading up to the fire.
The Turkey Leg Hut, once a popular dining destination, has faced its own set of challenges. In September 2024, the Houston Health Department established 35 violations that posed a “threat to public health.” Following an investigation, inspectors uncovered numerous issues, including pest control problems, improper food storage, and ventilation concerns. While the Turkey Leg Hut attempted to frame the closure as an opportunity for renovations, the health department mandated that the restaurant remain closed until all issues were resolved. As of now, the Turkey Leg Hut has not reopened its doors.
The case against Lyndell Price is a cautionary tale about the consequences of unresolved business disputes and the lengths individuals may go when faced with financial pressures. The community watches closely as the legal proceedings unfold, hoping for justice and a resolution to the turmoil surrounding the once-beloved Turkey Leg Hut.
