North Carolina Court Advances Financial Misreporting Claims in Asheville Venue Dispute
In a significant development from the North Carolina Superior Court, most of the allegations in a legal confrontation between Orange Peel Events and Asheville Pizza & Brewing have been dismissed. However, crucial accusations related to financial misreporting by Asheville Pizza will proceed.
The legal battle between these two entities has been ongoing since January, following a dispute over their shared venture, Rabbit Rabbit, a popular outdoor music venue in Asheville’s South Slope. The court’s decision, reached in mid-July, will allow examination of allegations that Asheville Pizza misreported revenue from events at Rabbit Rabbit.
Rabbit Rabbit was established in 2020 during the pandemic, hosting major acts such as Willie Nelson and Bon Iver. The venue is owned by 75 Coxe Properties, LLC, a partnership between Asheville Pizza and Public Interest Projects, Inc., the parent company of Orange Peel Events. Under their agreement, Orange Peel Events handled booking and marketing, while Asheville Pizza managed food, beverages, and movies.
Disagreements over management and finances led to Asheville Brewing rebranding the venue as Asheville Yards Amphitheater in January, effectively ending its business relationship with Orange Peel Events. This move prompted Orange Peel Events to initiate a lawsuit, which was countered by Asheville Pizza.
Orange Peel Events claims that Asheville Pizza underreported event revenues and failed to reimburse them for business expenses related to venue improvements and other services. They also accuse Asheville Pizza of inflating its own reimbursement claims.
As the lawsuit progresses into the discovery phase, which could last up to a year, concerts at the now Asheville Yards Amphitheater will continue, with upcoming performances scheduled, including Michael Franti & Spearhead in September.
