Charlotte NC, January 31, 2026
Charlotte’s Sycamore Brewing has rebranded as Club West Brewing following allegations against its former co-owner. This re-launch, led by co-founder Sarah Louise Taylor, aims to restore the brewery’s reputation while addressing substantial fallout from legal issues. The new website hints at a future resurgence with plans set for Spring 2026. The brewery’s taproom closed indefinitely to facilitate healing and community reimagining, as it distances itself from the controversy surrounding Justin Tawse Brigham’s serious felony charges.
Charlotte, NC – The popular Charlotte brewery formerly known as Sycamore Brewing has officially re-launched under the new name Club West Brewing, following severe statutory rape allegations against its former co-owner, Justin Tawse Brigham. The rebrand marks a significant shift for the business, now solely led by co-founder Sarah Louise Taylor, who has taken steps to sever all professional and personal ties with Brigham.
Rebrand Signals New Direction and Future Plans
The transition became publicly evident with the recent activation of the Club West Brewing website, which currently displays a message of “Beer. Redefined. | Coming Spring 2026.” This digital presence offers the first glimpse into the brewery’s future under its new identity. The legal change of the Limited Liability Company (LLC) name to Club West Brewing occurred on January 8, 2026, with Sarah Louise Taylor officially listed as the managing member.
The physical taproom located in Charlotte’s South End closed indefinitely on January 5, 2026. This closure was announced by Taylor to facilitate a period of “processing, healing, and beginning the work of reimagining this community space.” The move was a direct response to the widespread fallout from the allegations, indicating a concerted effort to create a new foundation for the business.
Sarah Louise Taylor has assumed full ownership of the company and has initiated divorce proceedings from Justin Tawse Brigham. Brigham has been completely removed from any stake or involvement in the business operations.
Allegations Against Former Co-Owner and Immediate Fallout
The rebranding efforts stem from serious allegations against Justin Tawse Brigham, who was arrested on December 11, 2025. Brigham faces multiple felony charges, including statutory rape of a child under 15, first-degree burglary, and indecent liberties with a child. These charges involve a 13-year-old girl in Stanly County. Additional felony charges against Brigham include second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, soliciting a child by computer, and assault inflicting serious bodily injury.
Brigham’s bond was initially set at $10 million and was later increased to $11.25 million. He remains detained in Stanly County jail.
The arrest and subsequent charges led to immediate and significant repercussions for the brewery. Major grocery chains and various establishments across North Carolina quickly stopped selling Sycamore beer products. The planned opening of a new family-friendly location in Cotswold Village was abandoned, and the brewery was also ousted from its location at the Charlotte airport. Sales data revealed a substantial decline, with product sales falling by 43% in the week beginning December 8, 2025, and an even sharper drop of 85% in the week starting December 15, 2025.
Background of Sycamore Brewing
Founded in 2013 by Sarah Taylor and Justin Brigham, Sycamore Brewing had grown to become one of Charlotte’s most prominent and largest craft beer brands. Prior to the allegations, it was a popular destination in the South End, known for its taproom and diverse beer offerings. The sudden crisis created a period of considerable uncertainty for the brewery’s approximately 120 employees, many of whom were caught in the middle of the unfolding events.
This situation also reflects a broader trend within the craft beer industry, which has been experiencing a slowdown. Nationally, brewery closings surpassed new openings in the past year, marking the second consecutive year of this trend.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to some common questions regarding the re-launch of the Charlotte brewery:
What is the new name of Sycamore Brewing?
The brewery formerly known as Sycamore Brewing has re-launched under the new name Club West Brewing.
When did the re-launch officially occur?
The re-launch was officially confirmed as the new Club West Brewing website became active on January 30, 2026.
Who is the current owner of Club West Brewing?
Sarah Louise Taylor, a co-founder of the original brewery, is now the sole owner and managing member of Club West Brewing.
Why did Sycamore Brewing change its name?
The name change and re-launch are a direct result of serious statutory rape allegations against former co-owner Justin Tawse Brigham.
What are the allegations against the former co-owner, Justin Tawse Brigham?
Justin Tawse Brigham faces felony charges including statutory rape of a child under 15, first-degree burglary, indecent liberties with a child, second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, soliciting a child by computer, and assault inflicting serious bodily injury.
When was Justin Tawse Brigham arrested?
Justin Tawse Brigham was arrested on December 11, 2025.
Is the brewery’s taproom currently open?
No, the brewery’s South End taproom closed indefinitely on January 5, 2026, to allow for a period of “processing, healing, and beginning the work of reimagining this community space.”
When is Club West Brewing expected to open its doors?
The new Club West Brewing website indicates that it is “Coming Spring 2026.”
Key Features of the Rebrand and Background
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Old Brewery Name | Sycamore Brewing | Local |
| New Brewery Name | Club West Brewing | Local |
| Re-launch Date (Website Active) | January 30, 2026 | Local |
| LLC Name Change Date | January 8, 2026 | State-level |
| Current Owner | Sarah Louise Taylor | Local |
| Former Co-owner Accused | Justin Tawse Brigham | Local |
| Date of Arrest (Justin Tawse Brigham) | December 11, 2025 | State-level |
| Primary Allegations | Statutory rape of a child under 15, first-degree burglary, indecent liberties with a child | State-level |
| Taproom Status | Closed indefinitely since January 5, 2026 | Local |
| Expected Reopening | Spring 2026 | Local |
| Sales Decline Post-Allegations | 43% (Week of Dec 8, 2025), 85% (Week of Dec 15, 2025) | Local |
| Craft Beer Industry Trend | Brewery closings outpacing openings | Nationwide |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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