Popular Charlotte Brewery Sycamore Brewing to Temporarily Close

Sycamore Brewing, a well-known taproom in Charlotte's South End, announced a temporary closure following the arrest of its former co-owner on serious criminal charges. Owner Sarah Taylor said the brewery will close on Jan. 5 and indicated the pause is meant to support the community and staff as they deal with the incident and plan next steps.

Taylor framed the closure as needed "to allow space for processing, healing, and beginning the work of reimagining this community space." Plans to reopen will be announced at a later date, she said, leaving the timeline open as the business and local patrons reckon with the allegations.

The legal case centers on Justin Brigham, 44, who was arrested on Dec. 10 after officers found him inside the bedroom of a 13-year-old girl in Stanly County. Authorities allege Brigham met the girl through Snapchat, broke into her home and raped her. Brigham is identified in records as a former co-owner of Sycamore Brewing; the arrest and the nature of the charges have prompted the brewery to step back from normal operations.

For regular customers, event organizers and nearby businesses, the closure affects upcoming tastings, private bookings and the taproom's role as a gathering place in South End. Verify event status and reservations directly with Sycamore before making plans; expect cancellations or rescheduling as the staff works through closures and communications. If you have gift cards, tickets or private events booked, contact the brewery for guidance on refunds or transfers.

The pause also has wider community implications. Small breweries often function as neighborhood hubs where charity fundraisers, homebrew club nights and local meetups take place. A temporary shuttering interrupts those activities and creates an opportunity for community leaders and the brewery owners to assess safety measures, staffing policies and stewardship of shared spaces.

Sycamore's decision to close reflects an attempt to prioritize healing and reassess the taproom's future role rather than continue business as usual amid serious allegations linked to a former partner. Monitor Sycamore's official channels for reopening announcements and operational updates. If you have information pertinent to the case, contact law enforcement in Stanly County.