Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan are both defendants in a lawsuit filed by Nashville-based development giant GBT Realty Corp over their E3 Chophouse steakhouse, which closed earlier this year.
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The company is suing Aldean and Bryan, as well as former MLB player Adam LaRoche and Outlaws LLC. All three men are co-owners of the steakhouse, and Outlaws LLC was the tenant named in the lease agreement.
Why Are Jason Aldean + Luke Bryan Being Sued Over Their E3 Chophouse Steakhouse?
According to the Nashville Business Journal, an amended complaint filed last Friday (June 12) alleges that the star owners breached their lease for the steakhouse.
- The lawsuit alleges that owners owe past rent payments on the E3 Chophouse property, plus future rent through the end of the lease term in August 2029.
- Documents claim that the steakhouse failed to pay monthly rent for January and February 2026 before its closure.
- GBT Realty Corp. is seeking past due rent and interest, plus future rent payments through the end of the agreement.
The Nashville Business Journal cites documents stating that GBT sent default notices to the Chophouse in February and March, followed by a notice of termination of lease on March 19, and that the restaurant did not pay rent, reopen business or vacate the property in response to those letters.
Over the next couple of months, a series of legal actions unfolded that resulted in the restaurant vacating and returning the keys to the premises in May. A court ruled in favor of the realty company in the amount of $1.427 million in damages, and the steakhouse’s legal team filed an appeal in that decision.
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The newest filing adds Aldean and Bryan’s names to the suit, and seeks monetary damages for future and past rent payments, plus costs related to the business’ failure to originally vacate the property and allow for space for a new tenant to move in.
A spokesperson for the E3 Chophouse owners told the Nashville Business Journal this week that “none of the partners had any prior knowledge of this complaint until now,” and that “a resolution for this is already being worked towards.”
When Did Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean’s Steakhouse Close?
The steakhouse closed in February 2026, but it wasn’t initially presented as a permanent closure.
A social media statement from the restaurant described the decision as “hitting pause” and a chance to “evaluate what Nashville needs next.”
In light of the lawsuit, and the confirmation that E3 Chophouse has vacated its property, that decision now seems more permanent. If the steakhouse does open its doors again, it will likely be in a different location.
Country Stars With Their Own Bars + Restaurants
Of all of the side hustles country artists could partake in, opening a bar or restaurant is the most fitting — and very common. After all, many of these stars got their start on a barstool, tip jar nearby, playing their music for anyone who would listen.
These places feel like home for many of these singers. Over the years, several artists have gotten into the bar or restaurant game, and for a select few, brands have turned into franchises with several locations and/or concepts — we’re looking at you, Jimmy Buffett!
Let’s take a look at the country star food and entertainment venues that have opened over the years.
Gallery Credit: Jess
