Sycamore Taproom will temporarily close Jan. 5 to “allow space for processing, healing and beginning the work of reimagining this community space,“ owner Sarah Taylor said in a letter to the Charlotte community posted late Tuesday.
Taylor’s husband and former Sycamore co-owner, Justin Tawse Brigham, 44, was charged Dec, 11 with statutory rape of a child under 15, first-degree burglary and indecent liberties with a child.
Additional charges included felony assault related to inflicting serious bodily injury over allegations that Brigham assaulted a man Dec. 10 by grabbing and twisting his genitals, causing extreme pain.
“The serious allegations against my former partner have left me devastated, and my thoughts and heart remain with the victim and her family. I cannot begin to imagine the depth of their pain, and my deepest hope is that the legal process brings them the justice, care, and protection they deserve,” the letter said, adding that Taylor has begun divorce proceedings after removing Brigham from any stake in the business.
“I know these events have shaken trust deeply, stirring anger, sadness and disbelief across our community. I am feeling those emotions profoundly, too,” the letter said. “I am also committed to building a new future for Sycamore — one that honors the extraordinary people who make this brewery what it is: our talented brewers, taproom team, and every individual who pours heart into every pint.”
Since Brigham’s arrest, Sycamore products have been pulled off the shelves at many Charlotte-area stores, and its taproom at Charlotte Douglas International Airport was quickly dropped.
Plans outlined in the letter also call for partnering with organizations dedicated to child safety and protection, along with continuing the brewery’s previous philanthropic work.
Sycamore Brewing at 2151 Hawkins St. in Charlotte, NC. Sycamore Brewing’s co-founder Justin Brigham was arrested on December 11, 2025 on charges of statutory rape, indecent liberties with a child and first-degree burglary involving a 13-year-old girl in Stanfield, NC. JEFF SINER [email protected]
This story was originally published December 30, 2025 at 5:40 PM.
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Heidi Finley
The Charlotte Observer
Heidi Finley is a writer and editor for CharlotteFive and the Charlotte Observer. Outside of work, you will most likely find her in the suburbs driving kids around, volunteering and indulging in foodie pursuits.
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