Charlotte, North Carolina, January 6, 2026
Sycamore Brewing in Charlotte’s South End has announced a temporary closure of its taproom starting January 5, due to the arrest of former co-owner Justin Tawse Brigham on serious criminal charges including statutory rape. Owner Sarah Taylor has taken full control of the business and is initiating efforts to reimagine the brewery’s future and prioritize community healing. The decision has sparked mixed reactions among local residents, prompting discussions around accountability and the brewery’s identity moving forward.
Charlotte: Sycamore Brewing Temporarily Closes South End Taproom Following Former Co-Owner’s Arrest
Charlotte, North Carolina – Sycamore Brewing, a prominent craft brewery in Charlotte’s bustling South End, has announced the temporary closure of its taproom, effective January 5, 2026. This significant decision comes in the wake of the arrest of former co-owner Justin Tawse Brigham on serious criminal charges, including statutory rape of a 13-year-old child. The news has elicited a range of mixed feelings among local residents and the wider community, prompting discussions about accountability and the future of the beloved establishment.
Reasons for Temporary Closure and Owner’s Response
The temporary closure of the Sycamore Brewing South End taproom is directly linked to the legal proceedings involving Justin Tawse Brigham, 44, who was arrested on December 10, 2025. Brigham faces multiple 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 in Stanly County. Authorities allege that Brigham met the victim through social media before breaking into her home.
In response to these grave allegations, Sarah Taylor, Sycamore Brewing’s owner, announced the closure. Taylor has removed Brigham from any stake in the business operations and has assumed full ownership of the company. She has also initiated divorce proceedings. Taylor stated that the closure is intended “to allow space for processing, healing, and beginning the work of reimagining this community space.” She has expressed deep devastation over the incident and a commitment to building a new future for Sycamore, which includes partnering with organizations dedicated to child safety and protection.
Community Reactions and Business Implications
The community’s response to the temporary closure and the underlying reasons has been varied. While some residents expressed sadness over the loss of a popular gathering spot, others voiced strong opinions that the closure should have occurred sooner following Brigham’s arrest in early December. Prior to the official closure, the brewery had reportedly experienced significantly reduced foot traffic.
Many residents believe that a significant change, possibly even a rebrand, is necessary for customers to regain trust and return to the brewery, with some stating the name “Sycamore” has become “tainted.” There is also considerable sympathy for the employees who are not involved in the alleged crimes. The incident has sparked broader discussions within Charlotte about accountability and corporate responsibility within local businesses.
Beyond the taproom, the repercussions of Brigham’s arrest have extended to Sycamore Brewing’s distribution and other operations. Numerous Charlotte-area stores have pulled Sycamore products from their shelves, and the brewery’s taproom at Charlotte Douglas International Airport was quickly dropped.
Sycamore Brewing’s History and Presence in South End
Sycamore Brewing has been a fixture in Charlotte’s craft beer scene since its opening in 2013 or 2014, initially operating from a former auto garage. Over the years, it grew to become one of Charlotte’s largest craft breweries. The brewery moved to a new, larger two-story facility at “The Line” at 2151 Hawkins Street in South End in May 2023. This new location significantly expanded its offerings, featuring a 10,000-square-foot space, a ground-level beer garden, a second-floor patio overlooking the Rail Trail, a full-service taproom with diverse food options, and a dedicated coffee shop serving house-made cold brew and pastries.
The brewery had become known not only for its craft beer, including popular IPAs, ciders, and hard seltzers, but also for its vibrant outdoor atmosphere and its role as a community hub for events and social gatherings. Historically, Sycamore Brewing has also garnered attention for its “risque” or “naughty” beer can labels during the Christmas season, leading to some controversies in the past.
Uncertain Future and Path Forward
The duration of Sycamore Brewing’s temporary closure and specific reopening plans are currently unannounced, with owner Sarah Taylor indicating that more details will be shared in the new year. The brewery faces the challenging task of rebuilding trust and redefining its identity within the Charlotte community while navigating the ongoing legal proceedings involving its former co-owner. The situation highlights the profound impact that the actions of individuals can have on businesses and the communities they serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened to Sycamore Brewing’s South End taproom?
- Sycamore Brewing’s South End taproom in Charlotte has announced a temporary closure, effective January 5, 2026.
- Why did Sycamore Brewing temporarily close?
- The temporary closure is a direct consequence of the arrest of its former co-owner, Justin Tawse Brigham, on serious criminal charges, including statutory rape of a 13-year-old child.
- What is the purpose of the temporary closure?
- Owner Sarah Taylor stated that the closure is “to allow space for processing, healing, and beginning the work of reimagining this community space.”
- What is the community’s reaction to the closure and allegations?
- The news has sparked mixed feelings among local residents and the wider community, with some calling for a rebrand and many expressing that the brewery’s name is “tainted.”
- What actions has owner Sarah Taylor taken?
- Sarah Taylor has assumed full ownership of Sycamore Brewing, removed Justin Tawse Brigham from any stake in the business, and initiated divorce proceedings.
- When did Sycamore Brewing originally open?
- Sycamore Brewing opened in Charlotte in 2013 or 2014.
- When did Sycamore Brewing move to its new South End location?
- The brewery moved to its new, larger two-story facility at “The Line” at 2151 Hawkins Street in South End in May 2023.
Key Aspects of Sycamore Brewing’s Temporary Closure
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location Affected | South End taproom in Charlotte, North Carolina |
| Status | Temporarily closed, effective January 5, 2026 |
| Primary Reason for Closure | Arrest of former co-owner, Justin Tawse Brigham, on serious criminal charges, including statutory rape of a 13-year-old child |
| Owner’s Actions | Sarah Taylor assumed full ownership, removed former co-owner, began divorce proceedings, and committed to rebuilding and partnering with child safety organizations |
| Community Reaction | Mixed feelings, calls for rebrand, belief that the name is “tainted,” slowed foot traffic, sympathy for employees |
| Business Impact | Products pulled from Charlotte-area stores, airport taproom dropped |
| Duration of Closure | Undisclosed; reopening plans to be announced later |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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