The Lori’s Roadhouse lawsuit story actually involves two separate cases. In March 2025, music publishers sued the West Chester, Ohio venue in federal court for copyright infringement over unlicensed live cover performances; that case is now in conditional dismissal, which typically means the parties are finalizing a settlement. Then in August 2025, part of the ownership group filed a separate suit in Hamilton County against former operating partner Tyler Wogenstahl, alleging theft, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and tortious interference.1PACER Monitor. Waltz Time Music Inc et al v. Lori Roadhouse LLC et al2Local 12. Suburban Cincinnati Honky Tonk Restaurant Lori’s Roadhouse Suing Former Operating Partner
The Copyright Infringement Case
Universal Music Corp., W Chappell Music Corp, and Waltz Time Music Inc. filed suit on March 3, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio against Lori Roadhouse LLC and co-owners Greg Fisher and Tyler Wogenstahl. The case, 1:25-cv-00128, was assigned to Judge Michael R. Barrett.1PACER Monitor. Waltz Time Music Inc et al v. Lori Roadhouse LLC et al
The complaint focused on a “90s tribute show” held on Thanksgiving Eve, November 27, 2024. Three copyrighted songs were performed live without a license: “Modern Day Bonnie and Clyde” (Travis Tritt), “Midnight in Montgomery” (Alan Jackson), and “Creep” (Radiohead).3WCPO. West Chester Bar Lori’s Roadhouse Sued for Copyright Infringement Over Live Cover Shows
The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers coordinated the action. ASCAP said it had made more than 100 attempts over several years by mail, phone, and email to negotiate a licensing agreement with Fisher and Wogenstahl, all refused.4Cincinnati Enquirer. West Chester Bar Lori’s Roadhouse Sued After Playing Unlicensed Songs The plaintiffs sought an injunction against future unlicensed performances plus statutory damages. Federal copyright law allows $750 to $30,000 per infringed work, putting potential exposure for three songs as high as $90,000.3WCPO. West Chester Bar Lori’s Roadhouse Sued for Copyright Infringement Over Live Cover Shows
Where the Copyright Case Stands
On July 14, 2025, Judge Barrett issued a 30-day conditional dismissal. That period has been extended, most recently on September 12, 2025, pushing the expiration to December 12, 2025. The court retained jurisdiction.1PACER Monitor. Waltz Time Music Inc et al v. Lori Roadhouse LLC et al A conditional dismissal usually signals that the parties have reached or are finalizing a settlement, with the court holding the file open in case the deal falls apart. Terms have not been made public.
The Theft and Fraud Suit Against Tyler Wogenstahl
On August 5, 2025, part of the Lori’s Roadhouse ownership group filed a civil complaint in the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas against Tyler Wogenstahl and his company, Further Concepts and Investors LLC.2Local 12. Suburban Cincinnati Honky Tonk Restaurant Lori’s Roadhouse Suing Former Operating Partner Wogenstahl, a part owner and the venue’s former operating manager, is accused of theft, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and tortious interference with the Lori’s Roadhouse business.
Beyond the West Chester venue, Wogenstahl’s company signed a lease for an 8,000-square-foot entertainment space in Cincinnati’s Foundry building and was behind “Baru,” a sushi concept in the 84.51° building downtown.5Cincinnati Enquirer. New Sports Entertainment Concept Coming Downtown Cincinnati Foundry Building No public statement from Wogenstahl on the allegations has been reported, and no court rulings or settlement have emerged as of mid-2026.
Why a Venue Gets Sued Over a Cover Band
The copyright claim may look surprising given that Lori’s Roadhouse didn’t record or write the songs at issue. Under U.S. copyright law, though, the licensing obligation for music performed at a venue falls on the business, not on the musicians on stage. That applies whether the music is recorded or played live by a cover act.6ASCAP. Why ASCAP Licenses Bars, Restaurants and Music Venues
ASCAP offers a blanket license covering more than 20 million songs, priced on factors like venue capacity and how often live music is performed; the organization says the cost for bars and restaurants averages less than $2 per day.7ASCAP. Bars, Grills and Taverns Licensing ASCAP is one of several performing rights organizations, and a venue that hosts a broad range of music typically needs licenses from BMI and SESAC as well, because each represents a different catalog.
Statutory damages run $750 to $30,000 per infringed work, and courts can raise that to $150,000 per work if the infringement is willful, plus attorney’s fees.6ASCAP. Why ASCAP Licenses Bars, Restaurants and Music Venues Small food and drink establishments under 3,750 gross square feet can be exempt from fees for radio or TV music under the Fairness in Music Licensing Act of 1998, but at 24,000 square feet with two stages, Lori’s Roadhouse would not qualify.
Is Lori’s Roadhouse Still Open?
Yes. Despite the two pending disputes, the venue at 4924 Union Centre Pavilion Drive in West Chester remains open and continues to run a full live-events calendar as of mid-2026.8Lori’s Roadhouse. Lori’s Roadhouse Official Website