Charlotte, North Carolina, December 18, 2025
Sycamore Brewing’s airport taproom at Charlotte Douglas International Airport will transition to a new concept amid serious felony charges against co-founder Justin Brigham. Following his arrest for multiple allegations, including statutory rape, the brewery announced Brigham’s divestment from the company. His wife, Sarah Taylor, has taken over leadership as the surrounding market reacts with grocery chains removing Sycamore products. The taproom will remain open during this transition period.
Charlotte: Sycamore Brewing’s Airport Taproom to Transition Amid Co-Founder’s Felony Charges
Charlotte, North Carolina – The Sycamore Brewing taproom located within Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is set to transition to a new concept, a decision that follows the recent arrest and felony charges against brewery co-founder Justin Brigham. The airport confirmed the change, stating the current location in Concourse E will remain open during this transition period.
Co-Founder Faces Multiple Serious Allegations
Justin Brigham, 44, was arrested on December 11, 2025, facing a series of grave charges. These initial allegations include statutory rape of a 13-year-old girl, indecent liberties with a child, and first-degree burglary. The incident reportedly occurred on December 10, 2025, in Stanfield, Stanly County, where Brigham is accused of breaking into a home and sexually assaulting the teenager. Authorities stated that Brigham had reportedly met the victim online approximately two weeks prior to the incident.
Further charges were filed on December 15, 2025. These include felony assault inflicting serious bodily injury, related to an alleged assault on a man on December 10, 2025. Additionally, five other felony charges pertaining to sexual crimes involving a minor were added, encompassing three more counts of statutory sexual offense with a child, second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, and soliciting a child via computer. Brigham is currently being held on a $10 million bond at the Stanly County Detention Center, and investigators have indicated that more charges are anticipated as the investigation progresses.
Immediate Fallout and Company Response
In response to the serious accusations, Sycamore Brewing announced that Justin Brigham is divesting all of his interests and will no longer be involved with the company. His wife and co-founder, Sarah Taylor, has assumed full leadership of the brewery. The brewery, established in 2013 by the couple, is one of Charlotte’s most prominent craft beer producers.
The controversy has led to significant commercial repercussions across the Carolinas. Several major grocery store chains, including Food Lion, Lowes Foods, and Publix, have removed Sycamore Brewing products from their shelves. Numerous bars and restaurants in Charlotte and the wider Carolinas region have also ceased serving Sycamore beers as the backlash continues.
Airport Taproom History and Previous Controversies
Sycamore Brewing first opened its taproom at Charlotte Douglas International Airport in November 2022, partnering with concessionaire HMSHost. This location in Concourse E was part of the airport’s broader expansion efforts. The decision to transition the airport taproom to a new concept was made by HMSHost, with the airport confirming the change and stating that the location will remain operational during the switch.
The brewery has previously drawn attention for its marketing and can designs. Some of its past packaging featured bold and adult-oriented visuals, with certain designs reportedly prompting a visit from North Carolina’s Alcohol Law Enforcement and requiring removal from shelves. Sexually explicit cartoon imagery from earlier years reportedly remains on the brewery’s social media pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is happening with Sycamore Brewing’s taproom at Charlotte Douglas International Airport?
- The Sycamore Brewing taproom located within Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is set to transition to a new concept. The location will remain open during this transition period.
- Why is Sycamore Brewing’s airport taproom transitioning?
- This decision follows the recent arrest and felony charges against brewery co-founder Justin Brigham.
- What charges does Justin Brigham face?
- Justin Brigham was arrested on December 11, 2025, initially facing charges including statutory rape of a 13-year-old girl, indecent liberties with a child, and first-degree burglary. Additional charges filed on December 15, 2025, include felony assault inflicting serious bodily injury, three additional counts of statutory sexual offense with a child, second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, and soliciting a child via computer.
- When did the alleged incident involving Justin Brigham occur?
- The incident reportedly occurred on December 10, 2025, in Stanfield, Stanly County.
- What is Sycamore Brewing’s response to the charges?
- Sycamore Brewing announced that Justin Brigham is divesting all of his interests and will no longer be involved with the company. His wife and co-founder, Sarah Taylor, has assumed full leadership.
- How has the wider market reacted to the news?
- Major grocery store chains, including Food Lion, Lowes Foods, and Publix, have removed Sycamore Brewing products from their shelves across North Carolina. Numerous bars and restaurants in Charlotte and the wider Carolinas region have also ceased serving Sycamore beers.
Key Details of Sycamore Brewing Situation
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Event | Sycamore Brewing taproom transitioning at Charlotte Douglas International Airport | City-level (Charlotte, NC) |
| Reason for Transition | Felony charges against co-founder Justin Brigham | State-level (North Carolina) |
| Co-founder Charged | Justin Brigham, 44 | State-level (North Carolina) |
| Initial Charges (December 11, 2025) | Statutory rape of a 13-year-old girl, indecent liberties with a child, first-degree burglary | State-level (North Carolina) |
| Additional Charges (December 15, 2025) | Felony assault inflicting serious bodily injury, three additional counts of statutory sexual offense with a child, second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, soliciting a child via computer | State-level (North Carolina) |
| Location of Alleged Incident | Stanfield, Stanly County, North Carolina | State-level (North Carolina) |
| Current Custody Status | Held on $10 million bond at Stanly County Detention Center | State-level (North Carolina) |
| Company Response | Justin Brigham divested; Sarah Taylor (co-founder) assumed full leadership | Regional (Charlotte, NC-based company) |
| Market Impact | Grocery chains (Food Lion, Lowes Foods, Publix) and numerous bars/restaurants pulling products | Regional (North Carolina and Carolinas region) |
| Airport Taproom Opening | November 2022 | City-level (Charlotte, NC) |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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