The 54-year-old star's liking for Panagaris has irked his business partner Nikki Lund of the Nikki Rich fashion line, with whom he is said to be in an on/off relationship, reported Female First.
"Richie told people that as soon as he met Ori, something sparked. It's like he's reclaiming his youth with her. He's besotted," a source said.
Sambora, who met Panagaris, 29, at a party in Hawaii in December last year, is currently touring Europe with her, and Lund is said to be growing increasingly frustrated that he is neglecting their empire.
Sambora's spokesperson defended him, saying he is not neglecting his fashion line and is committed to it.
"While I do not comment on our clients' personal lives, I can tell you that Richie has an incredibly strong and steadfast work ethic.
"He is very excited about his artistic collaboration with Ori, and is deeply committed to his musical career, fashion company and of course his family," the spokesperson said.