Ruggles Green Insists Its Restaurants Do Not Serve Illegally Caught Fish

Yesterday, news that former Ruggles Green chef Bruce Molzan was allegedly involved in buying and selling more than 28,000 pounds of illegally caught fish rocked Houston’s restaurant scene. Now, one of the restaurants involved is attempting to clear the air.

In a Facebook post, Ruggles Green’s current owners insist that the restaurant hasn’t served any of the fish that Molzan funneled into Houston since taking over the popular paleo-friendly spot last year. According to KPRC Houston, Molzan has not been affiliated with Ruggles Green since October 2016.

Scope out the restaurant’s full statement below:

The owners do not, however, dispute that Molzan may have served some of the illegally caught snapper or tuna while the restaurant was in his hands. According to Texas Parks & Wildlife, Molzan also allegedly obtained illegally purchased shrimp from an unnamed restaurant, which means that the scheme could impact eateries beyond Ruggles Green and Ruggles Black.

In response to the allegations, Molzan’s attorney said that the chef plans to contest the 200+ Class C misdemeanor citations issued by Texas Parks & Wildlife.

• Ex-Ruggles Green, Ruggles Black owner Bruce Molzan part of illegal seafood network, officials say [KPRC Houston]