Taft Secures Trial Victory Keeping Comedy Club in its Longtime Home

Taft Cleveland partners Ron Holman and Cary Snyder, with assistance from Detroit senior associate Josh Unice, secured a significant litigation victory in Ohio state court on behalf of Funny Bone Comedy Club, one of the nation's largest comedy club operators. The ruling ensures the club will retain its leased space and home of nearly 20 years for at least four additional years, as required under the lease.

The decision preserves dozens of local jobs and allows Funny Bone to continue hosting hundreds of comedic acts each year.

In 2025, the landlord, NW Orleans Properties, whose property is managed by NAI Harmon Group - a leading real estate developer in Ohio - threatened to evict the comedy club based on alleged financial and non-financial defaults. Taft was retained and moved swiftly on the offensive, filing a declaratory judgment action before the landlord initiated eviction proceedings. The landlord - who even complained to the Court that Taft filed suit first - responded with counterclaims for unlawful entry and detainer and breach of contract.

After three days of extensive testimony and post-hearing briefing, the court fully validated the comedy club's position and its right to stay as a commercial tenant in the leased space. The court also concluded that the landlord had improperly overbilled Funny Bone. Judgment was entered in the comedy club's favor on all claims.