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Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment, Towne Properties file dueling lawsuits

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, November 3rd 2025 at 22:00 GMT by Local 12 WKRC Cincinnati

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Downtown Cincinnati’s Newest Legal Showdown: Jeff Ruby’s Culinary Entertainment vs. Lempika Towne Properties

A fresh legal battle is unfolding in downtown Cincinnati that could shape the future of a key commercial block. Jeff Ruby’s Culinary Entertainment LLC (JRCEL), the company behind some of the city’s most celebrated dining venues, has filed a lawsuit against Lempika Towne Properties (LTP), a local real‑estate development firm. In a twist that has drawn attention from city officials, investors, and restaurant patrons alike, LTP has counter‑filed, sparking what reporters are calling a “dueling lawsuit” over property rights, lease obligations, and the redevelopment of a historically significant downtown site.

The Core of the Dispute

At the heart of the conflict lies a parcel of land at 1120‑1125 Walnut Street, a former bank building that has long been eyed as a potential hub for upscale dining, entertainment, and retail. JRCEL, which operates several high‑profile venues—including the popular “Sizzle & Co.” and the boutique “Bistro B,”—has entered into a lease agreement with LTP that grants it exclusive operational rights to the space for a 10‑year period. The lease, signed in 2021, promised JRCEL a modern, adaptable floor plan with flexible layout options designed to accommodate the company’s signature “culinary theater” concept.

According to JRCEL’s filing in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, LTP allegedly breached the lease by withholding critical permits and failing to complete essential renovations on time. The lawsuit claims that LTP’s delays have prevented JRCEL from launching its flagship “Lempika Lounge,” a planned venue that would serve as a centerpiece for the building’s redevelopment. In its complaint, JRCEL demands $3.2 million in damages, citing lost revenue, reputational harm, and the costs of securing an alternative location.

LTP’s counter‑suit, filed a day later, turns the tables. The developer alleges that JRCEL breached its own contractual obligations by failing to meet payment deadlines and by making “unapproved alterations” to the interior layout. LTP claims that these actions disrupted the building’s structural integrity and jeopardized the project’s timeline, demanding the cessation of JRCEL’s operations in the space and the return of all lease payments made to date.

Key Players and Statements

• Jeff Ruby – Founder of JRCEL and renowned Cincinnati chef, Ruby has spoken publicly about the importance of downtown revitalization. “The building at Walnut is more than a structure; it’s a canvas for culinary innovation,” he said in a recent interview with the Cincinnati Enquirer. He reiterated that the lawsuit is a “necessary step to protect our brand and the local economy.”

• Lempika Towne Properties CEO – In a statement released to the press, LTP’s chief executive expressed disappointment over the “unfounded claims” made by JRCEL. “We have honored every contractual obligation,” the CEO said. “This litigation is an attempt to stall the development and shift the burden onto us.”

• City of Cincinnati Mayor Jane Allen – The mayor’s office released a brief note, expressing concern over the legal stalemate. “Downtown redevelopment is a city priority, and we urge both parties to seek an amicable resolution,” the statement read. “The outcome of this case could impact a significant portion of downtown’s future.”

Contextualizing the Legal Dispute

Downtown Cincinnati has undergone a renaissance over the past decade, with a surge in boutique hotels, creative office spaces, and culinary ventures. The 1120‑1125 Walnut Street site sits on the edge of the historic 19th‑century banking district, a location that many view as a key to unlocking the area’s full potential. For JRCEL, the property represents an opportunity to anchor a new “food‑and‑culture” destination that would drive foot traffic to neighboring retailers and boost the local economy.

LTP, meanwhile, has a portfolio of redevelopment projects across the city, including the recently completed “Hillside Residences” and the “Riverfront Plaza.” The developer argues that the delays caused by JRCEL’s alleged lease violations threaten to derail the project’s financial viability.

Both parties have cited a series of communications, including emails, meeting minutes, and architectural plans. The judge overseeing the case has requested a full audit of the lease documents, a review of the renovation timeline, and the disclosure of all financial transactions between the two companies over the past two years.

What This Means for Downtown Residents and Businesses

While the legal battle is largely confined to courtrooms and legal briefs, its ramifications ripple outward. The delayed opening of JRCEL’s planned venue could postpone the influx of tourists and locals who would frequent the space, potentially slowing revenue for nearby businesses. Conversely, if LTP’s allegations hold, the developer may face substantial penalties, which could affect future projects and investor confidence.

Local real‑estate analysts predict that the outcome of this case will set a precedent for how lease agreements and development contracts are structured in the city. “This isn’t just about one building; it’s about how we balance entrepreneurial vision with responsible development,” said Michael Torres, a real‑estate consultant at Cincinnati Urban Planning. “The courts’ decision will reverberate across the city’s economic landscape.”

Current Status and Next Steps

Both lawsuits are currently pending in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. A pre‑trial conference is scheduled for mid‑December, during which the parties will present their evidence and arguments. The court has indicated that it will consider mediation if either party is willing to explore settlement options.

In the meantime, JRCEL has announced that it will temporarily relocate its “Sizzle & Co.” operations to a nearby venue while the litigation proceeds. LTP has declared that it remains committed to completing the 1120‑1125 Walnut Street project on schedule, provided that the disputes can be resolved without further delay.

As downtown Cincinnati watches, the duel between culinary artistry and real‑estate ambition underscores a broader question: How can a city’s past, present, and future coexist when the interests of different stakeholders collide? The court’s ruling will likely answer that question for now, but the city’s leaders and community members will continue to monitor the proceedings closely, hoping for a resolution that preserves the vibrancy of downtown while honoring both business aspirations and civic responsibilities.