Charlotte, N.C., January 6, 2026
Sycamore Brewing has officially halted plans for its second taproom and beer garden in Cotswold Village, Charlotte. This decision comes following the arrest of co-owner Justin Brigham on serious felony charges, including statutory rape. The 18,000-square-foot location was set to open in summer 2026, but these plans have now been terminated as Sycamore Brewing faces significant backlash from local retailers and an uncertain future under new ownership.
Charlotte, N.C.
Sycamore Brewing’s Cotswold Village Expansion Halted Amid Fallout from Co-Owner’s Arrest
Plans for Sycamore Brewing’s highly anticipated second taproom and beer garden in Charlotte’s Cotswold Village have been terminated, effective January 5, 2026. This significant development follows widespread repercussions stemming from the December arrest of former co-owner Justin Brigham on statutory rape and other felony charges. The lease for the planned 18,000-square-foot location, which was slated to open in summer 2026, has been officially ended, with the space now being actively marketed by Thrift Commercial Real Estate Services.
Impact on Operations and Future Plans
The termination of the Cotswold Village lease marks a major setback for the brewery’s expansion efforts, which had included a substantial 7,000-square-foot indoor taproom and an 11,000-square-foot outdoor beer garden. These plans, initially announced in March, aimed to broaden Sycamore Brewing’s presence beyond its popular South End location. The original location, a key establishment in Charlotte’s South End, also temporarily closed its taproom on January 5, 2026. This closure is intended to provide owner Sarah Taylor, who has assumed full ownership of the company, an opportunity for “processing, healing, and beginning the work of reimagining this community space.” Taylor has also initiated divorce proceedings from Justin Brigham.
Widespread Repercussions and Community Response
The allegations and subsequent arrest of Justin Brigham have led to considerable backlash for Sycamore Brewing. Major grocery chains across the Carolinas, including Food Lion, Lowes Foods, and Publix, made decisions to remove Sycamore Brewing products from their shelves. Several local bars and restaurants in Charlotte have also ended their relationships with the brewery. This broader response highlights the significant impact the scandal has had on the brand’s commercial standing and public perception. The now-available space in Cotswold Village, previously earmarked for Sycamore Brewing, is a clear indication of the immediate commercial fallout experienced by the company.
Background of the Allegations
The challenges faced by Sycamore Brewing began in December with the arrest of Justin Brigham. He was charged with statutory rape and other felony offenses, leading to swift action by Sarah Taylor to distance the company from his alleged actions. Taylor has publicly condemned the alleged actions and stated that Brigham has divested all of his ownership in the company. The brewery has also committed to partnering with organizations dedicated to child safety and protection.
The temporary closure of the South End taproom and the termination of the Cotswold Village expansion underscore the profound difficulties Sycamore Brewing is navigating as it seeks to address the impact of the allegations and rebuild its future within the Charlotte community and the wider craft beer market. The company, which had been among North Carolina’s top beer producers, is now at a critical juncture regarding its operations and brand identity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about the recent developments concerning Sycamore Brewing:
- What is the latest news regarding Sycamore Brewing’s expansion plans?
- The lease for Sycamore Brewing’s planned second taproom and beer garden in Charlotte’s Cotswold Village has been terminated, effective January 5, 2026.
- What was the planned location for the terminated lease?
- The terminated lease was for a planned Cotswold Village taproom in Charlotte, N.C.
- Why was Sycamore Brewing’s lease for the Cotswold Village location terminated?
- The lease termination follows widespread repercussions stemming from the December arrest of former co-owner Justin Brigham on statutory rape and other felony charges.
- What were the plans for the Cotswold Village taproom?
- The planned Cotswold Village location was to be an 18,000-square-foot space featuring a 7,000-square-foot indoor taproom and an 11,000-square-foot outdoor beer garden, with an expected opening in summer 2026.
- Is Sycamore Brewing’s main South End taproom still open?
- No, Sycamore Brewing’s main South End taproom temporarily closed its doors on January 5, 2026. This closure is to allow owner Sarah Taylor time for “processing, healing, and beginning the work of reimagining this community space.”
- What actions has Sarah Taylor taken in response to the allegations?
- Sarah Taylor has assumed full ownership of Sycamore Brewing and has initiated divorce proceedings from Justin Brigham. She has also publicly condemned the alleged actions.
- How has the market responded to the allegations against Justin Brigham?
- Major grocery chains, including Food Lion, Lowes Foods, and Publix, have removed Sycamore Brewing products from their shelves. Additionally, several local bars and restaurants in Charlotte have ended their relationships with the brewery.
Key Features of Sycamore Brewing Developments
| Feature | Detail | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Cotswold Village Lease Status | Terminated, effective January 5, 2026 | Charlotte, N.C. |
| Reason for Termination | Fallout from former co-owner Justin Brigham’s arrest on felony charges | Charlotte, N.C. |
| Planned Cotswold Village Location Size | 18,000-square-foot space (7,000 sq ft indoor, 11,000 sq ft beer garden) | Charlotte, N.C. |
| Current South End Taproom Status | Temporarily closed as of January 5, 2026 | Charlotte, N.C. |
| New Ownership | Sarah Taylor (sole owner) | Charlotte, N.C. |
| Retailer Response | Major grocery chains (Food Lion, Lowes Foods, Publix) and local bars pulled products | State-level (Carolinas) and Local (Charlotte) |
| Former Co-Owner Allegations | Statutory rape and other felony charges | Nationwide (legal context), State-level (arrest in Stanly County, N.C.) |
Now Happening on X
- @wsoctv (January 5, 2026, 7:30 AM) Civilian investigators are helping free up officers and improve crash response times in Charlotte. View on X
- @theobserver (December 31, 2025, 5:20 AM) A homicide was discovered in Charlotte after a caller reported an assault at 2:30 a.m., according to CMPD. View on X
- @theobserver (January 2, 2026, 6:00 AM) CMPD reports a homicide in Charlotte uncovered during an early morning assault call. View on X
- @theobserver (January 4, 2026, 7:00 PM) Authorities in Charlotte investigated a homicide stemming from a reported assault at 2:30 a.m. View on X
- @foxcarolinanews (January 3, 2026, 2:00 AM) A potential terrorist attack planned for New Year’s Eve in the Charlotte metro region was thwarted by law enforcement. View on X
- @wis10 (January 3, 2026, 12:15 AM) Police successfully prevented a possible terrorist incident on New Year’s Eve in the Charlotte area, with details emerging in a live stream. View on X
- @LibsOfCharlotte (January 2, 2026, 11:33 AM) Law enforcement in Charlotte stopped a potential terrorist attack planned for New Year’s Eve. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Urgent Appeal for Missing 78-Year-Old in Cabarrus County
Charlotte Reinstates Public Safety Committee Amid Rising Crime
Cleveland Man Held on $1 Million Bond for Child Sex Crimes
Charlotte Brewing Company Temporarily Shuts Doors Amid Serious Allegations
New Federal Prosecutor Sworn in for Western North Carolina
Brewery Co-Owner Arrested on Child Rape Charges in Charlotte
Families Urged to Prioritize Online Safety Amid Christmas Device Gifts
Charlotte Takes Action on Transit Safety Following Violent Incidents
Arrests Made in Tragic Child Abuse Case in Charlotte
Statesville Police Seek Public’s Help in Locating Missing Teen
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
