Houston Turkey Leg Hut sparks ‘anti-black’ dress code criticism

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Houston’s Turkey Leg Hut restaurant announced Friday it will enforce a new dress code, prompting a wave of mixed responses online from critics who say the move is “anti-black” and others who say it is ‘she is long overdue.

Third Ward Restaurant has established itself as one of the best places to dine in Houston after developing a cult following for its massive-sized smoked turkey thighs that debuted at the Houston Rodeo years ago. Winding lines, crowded dining rooms, and celebrity cameos are the norm for the ever-expanding Cajun hotspot that begins to venture outside of Houston.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Turkey Leg Hut co-owners allege fraud, theft, embezzlement and a host of other charges in duel lawsuits

TLH’s new dress code prohibits guests from wearing “overly revealing clothing,” including panties, swimsuits, sports bras, ripped clothing, and shorts that are too short. Loose pants, inappropriate language on clothing and “house attire” including wave caps, du-rags, house shoes or shower caps are also prohibited.

The restaurant said in a statement posted on Facebook that the dress code was necessary “due to the dress of some guests.”

“We have been compelled to put this new policy in place as we remain committed to ensuring that all customers are comfortable when they visit us,” the restaurant said in the post. “We are not a club, we are a family restaurant and we will continue to maintain our standards by welcoming everyone to Turkey Leg Hut.”

The announcement prompted an avalanche of responses, some in favor and others against the new policy, which sparked a restaurant trend on Twitter across the United States early Saturday morning. Some critics were quick to call the new policy “anti-black,” saying it was aimed directly at black culture, while others argued that it was a welcome and necessary change.

“Thanks for enforcing a dress code,” wrote one Facebook user. “A lot of people these days just aren’t well trained. I’m glad you all are speaking out and teaching them.”

“You’ve all established yourself as a place of business that participates in trap music, hookahs, mixed drinks, etc. but all of a sudden you are all above the crowd that made your establishment popular? Another Facebook user wrote.

Others responded with memes and other hot Twitter shots, flooding the restaurant’s account.

The Olympics, HBO, Turkey Leg HutTL gives anti-blacks today but was black a few weeks ago. pic.twitter.com/07TuLTuKYQ

– Black women told you! (@ItsTiaWilliams) July 3, 2021

I have never been to the Turkey Leg Hut and never will be. How are you going to be a BLACK establishment in the middle of a historically BLACK neighborhood of Houston with an internalized anti-black and racist dress code policy for a joint that sells overly choked turkey thighs? https://t.co/caLAxVHFr5

-Talia Mirai | Pin Up Commissions on Patreon (@TaliaMirai) July 3, 2021

Me and my daughters at Turkey Leg Hut this weekend pic.twitter.com/hr8B90KKFO

– NatoyaEbony (@NatoyaEbony) July 2, 2021

The restaurant is a black owned restaurant. Owners Nakia and Lynn Price are proud to be a model of success for the black community in an area threatened by gentrification triggered by their own accomplishments.

The owners said in the Facebook post that they appreciate the public’s cooperation.

[email protected]

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