Asheville, NC, August 30, 2025
News Summary
Asheville faces a legal battle concerning the future of its downtown music venue, Rabbit Rabbit, now rebranded as Asheville Yards Amphitheater. The Orange Peel, a co-owner, alleges APB violated their agreement and misrepresented finances, seeking over $100,000 in damages. APB defends its rebranding, citing operational shortcomings by The Orange Peel. The outcome of this case could significantly affect local entertainment options, as tensions escalate between the parties.
Asheville is embroiled in a legal dispute over the future of the downtown music venue Rabbit Rabbit, recently rebranded as the Asheville Yards Amphitheater by Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company (APB). The rebranding announcement, made on January 8, 2025, comes amid claims made by the Orange Peel and Public Interest Projects (PIP), co-owners of Rabbit Rabbit, that APB breached their agreement regarding the joint ownership of the venue.
The lawsuit filed by The Orange Peel alleges that APB misrepresented its financial situation and unilaterally withdrew more than $100,000 from Rabbit Rabbit without proper authorization. The lawsuit is seeking over $100,000 in damages, while also requesting the court confirm that APB and its sister company, Ninja Brewing Inc., operate as the same entity. If the judge rules in favor of The Orange Peel, it may halt any business operations concerning Rabbit Rabbit during the ongoing case.
The case has been assigned to Judge Adam Conrad, focusing on contractual agreements and potential financial misconduct. APB’s owner, Michael Rangel, has defended the rebranding decision as necessary due to The Orange Peel’s alleged failure to generate adequate events at Rabbit Rabbit. Rangel contends that The Orange Peel owes APB approximately $750,000 in unpaid fees and has intentionally limited the venue’s event schedule to stifle competition.
Prior to the rebranding, The Orange Peel had proposed 19 shows for the 2025 season at Rabbit Rabbit, illustrating the extent of planned operations had the conflict not emerged. The tension heightened following APB’s rebranding announcement, which was met with hostility, including coordinated social media campaigns targeting APB and the new venue name, perceived as organized by The Orange Peel.
Management at Asheville Yards has expressed a commitment to diversifying program offerings and focusing on community-centered events, seeking to craft a different experience than what was previously provided under The Orange Peel’s management. Both parties have indicated that they wish to resolve the issues at hand, while recognizing the emotional impact on the community following the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Background on Rabbit Rabbit
Rabbit Rabbit has been a vibrant entertainment venue in downtown Asheville, hosting a variety of concerts and events. Originally a joint venture, the venue attracted numerous patrons and established a reputation for lively programming. However, disagreements about management and financial practices have now thrust this joint ownership arrangement into legal turmoil.
Future Implications
The outcome of the legal dispute could significantly affect the availability of events at Asheville Yards and the strength of APB’s position in the local entertainment landscape. Depending on the court’s decision, there may be lasting repercussions for both parties involved and for the Asheville music scene as a whole.
Key Aspects of the Case
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Rebranding Announcement | January 8, 2025 |
| New Venue Name | Asheville Yards Amphitheater |
| Allegations by The Orange Peel | Breach of agreement, financial misrepresentation |
| Damages Sought | Over $100,000 |
| Unpaid Amounts Claimed by APB | Approximately $750,000 |
| Judge Assigned | Adam Conrad |
FAQ
What is the current status of Rabbit Rabbit?
Rabbit Rabbit has been rebranded as the Asheville Yards Amphitheater by Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company, leading to a legal dispute with its co-owners, The Orange Peel and Public Interest Projects.
What are the main allegations in the lawsuit?
The Orange Peel alleges that APB breached their joint ownership agreement, misrepresented its financial position, and withdrew over $100,000 without approval.
What could happen if The Orange Peel wins the lawsuit?
If the court rules in favor of The Orange Peel, it may freeze any business operations related to Rabbit Rabbit while the case is still ongoing, impacting the venue’s future performances.
What plans does APB have for the new amphitheater?
APB aims to host more concerts and festivals, with plans to introduce a downtown ice rink by November 2025, aiming for a community-focused event roster.
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Additional Resources
- Billboard: Indie Music Venue Profile – Orange Peel, Asheville, NC
- 828 News Now: Asheville Pizza Files Response to Orange Peel’s Rabbit Rabbit Lawsuit
- Mountain X: Asheville Pizza and Brewing Disputes The Orange Peel’s Account of Rift
- Google Search: Asheville Yards Amphitheater
- Wikipedia: Asheville
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
