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Tag: charlotte brewery

  • Sycamore Brewing appears to rebrand with new legal name after co-founder arrest

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    Sycamore Brewing has changed the name of its limited liability company, a state business registration filing shows.

    The new name is Club West Brewing, according to the Department of the Secretary of State filing on Thursday. Brewery co-founder Sarah Louise Taylor is listed as the managing member.

    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.

    Following his arrest, Taylor announced Brigham was removed from the business and she initiated divorce proceedings.

    On Monday, Sycamore taproom in South End closed indefinitely to “allow space for processing, healing and beginning the work of reimagining this community space,” Taylor had announced in a late December letter to the community.

    Company officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday about the LLC name change.

    Sycamore Brewing, one of Charlotte largest and popular breweries, experienced immediate widespread fallout from Brigham’s arrest was restaurants and retailers dropping products.

    Sycamore Brewing also was ousted from the Charlotte airport after opening there three year’s ago. The brewery’s plan to open “a family-friendly” location in Cotswold Village Shopping Center also evaporated.

    Sycamore Brewing at 2151 Hawkins St. has a new limited liability name, state business filings show.
    Sycamore Brewing at 2151 Hawkins St. has a new limited liability name, state business filings show. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com

    Crisis communication experts like Barry Finkelstein previously told The Charlotte Observer he believes it’s possible for the company to survive with swift action and accountability.

    “They’re simply distancing themselves from it as the act of an individual, and reminding folks why they love Sycamore, or why they did business with Sycamore in the first place,” said Finkelstein, the principal of Truth Advisors communications consultant agency in Charlotte.

    Sycamore opened in 2013, and its beer had been sold in seven states. In 2023, Sycamore closed its original location at 2161 Hawkins St., and moved to a 21,000-square-foot space at 2151 Hawkins St.

    This story was originally published January 8, 2026 at 3:55 PM.

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    Catherine Muccigrosso

    The Charlotte Observer

    Catherine Muccigrosso is the retail business reporter for The Charlotte Observer. An award-winning journalist, she has worked for multiple newspapers and McClatchy for more than a decade.

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  • ‘It’s been real.’ Future of Gastonia brewery questioned after cryptic post

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    Changes are coming to a Charlotte-area brewery, raising questions about its future.

    Cavendish Brewing Company, which once touted itself as Gastonia’s “first and only local brewery,” sparked fears of a possible closure after co-founder Scott Cavendish announced news of his retirement Tuesday.

    Cavensdish Brewing Company’s co-founders Will Warren (left) and Scott Cavendish.
    Cavensdish Brewing Company’s co-founders Will Warren (left) and Scott Cavendish. Courtesy of Scott Cavendish

    “It’s been real. It’s been fun. It’s been real fun!” Cavendish wrote in a message shared on the business’s Facebook page. “Come stop by and give me a high five before I head out into the sunset! I love you all. Thank you for supporting my small business these last 10 years.”

    The post sparked a flurry of questions about the status of the neighborhood brewery, specifically whether it plans to close or will simply change ownership. Cavendish was the first of its kind to open in Gastonia, which is now also home to Keepsake Brewery and Durty Bull Brewing.

    CharlotteFive reached out to Cavendish Brewing for more information Wednesday, Jan. 7, and was awaiting a response.

    About Cavendish Brewery

    Opened in 2017, the pub has 28 taps and specializes in old world beer styles. Customers can sip on flagship beers alongside seasonal and experimental pours.

    Cavendish taproom manager Preslie Davis fills a can of beer at Cavendish Brewing Company’s Gastonia taproom.
    Cavendish taproom manager Preslie Davis fills a can of beer at Cavendish Brewing Company’s Gastonia taproom. Courtesy of Scott Cavendish

    “Traditionally, beer capitals of the world have been making beer styles that have disappeared or are unknown here – but are delicious,” Cavendish told CharlotteFive at the time. “Our job is to bring them here and make them known.”

    This is a developing story and will be updated.

    Cavendish Brewing Company

    Location: 207 N Chester St, Gastonia, NC 28052

    Cuisine: Beer + light bites

    Instagram: @cavendish_brewing

    This story was originally published January 7, 2026 at 12:05 PM.

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    Tanasia Kenney

    Sun Herald

    Tanasia is a service journalism reporter at the Charlotte Observer | CharlotteFive, working remotely from Atlanta, Georgia. She covers restaurant openings/closings in Charlotte and statewide explainers for the NC Service Journalism team. She’s been with McClatchy since 2020.

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  • Sycamore plans closure to begin ‘reimagining this community space’ in Charlotte

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    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.
    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 jsiner@charlotteobserver.com

    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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  • Charlotte’s oldest brewery is expanding — again. Here’s where and what to know

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    Charlotte’s oldest local brewer has a new taproom in the works.

    The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery has begun construction on its forthcoming location in Mount Holly, it said in a message shared on Instagram.

    A customer samples the beer selection at the Olde Mecklenburg Brewery.
    A customer samples the beer selection at the Olde Mecklenburg Brewery. TODD SUMLIN tsumlin@charlotteobserver.com

    “Overlooking the Catawba River and steps from downtown and the greenway, our third biergarten will be the perfect place to unwind with a cold one,” the brewery said.

    The new taproom, which will be called OMB Riverview at Mt. Holly, will open at 725 Elm Street, the Charlotte Business Journal reported. The brewery broke ground at the site this week for the second time after facing cost increases and delays.

    “This project has been a long time coming, so we couldn’t be more excited to be moving forward,” OMB founder John Marrino, told the outlet.

    Olde Mecklenburg Brewery owner John Marrino on Monday, November 9, 2020.
    Olde Mecklenburg Brewery owner John Marrino on Monday, November 9, 2020. Jeff Siner jsiner@charlotteobserver.com

    The target opening date is September 2026.

    OMB Riverview will join the brewery’s existing taprooms in Ballantyne and Lower South End, which opened in 2024 and 2014, respectively, CharlotteFive reported.

    CharlotteFive reached out to The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery for more information Dec. 18 and was awaiting a response.

    The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery is expanding to Mt. Holly in 2026. Its award-winning Mecktoberfest beer is now available at The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery and at bottle shops around Charlotte.
    The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery is expanding to Mt. Holly in 2026. Its award-winning Mecktoberfest beer is now available at The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery and at bottle shops around Charlotte. Courtesy of OMB

    Location: 725 Elm St, Mt Holly, NC 28120

    Location: 15025 Bowl St, Charlotte, NC 28277 (Ballantyne)

    Location: 4150 Yancey Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217 (Lower South End)

    Menu

    Instagram: @oldemeckbrew

    This story was originally published December 18, 2025 at 10:18 AM.

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    Tanasia Kenney

    Sun Herald

    Tanasia is a service journalism reporter at the Charlotte Observer | CharlotteFive, working remotely from Atlanta, Georgia. She covers restaurant openings/closings in Charlotte and statewide explainers for the NC Service Journalism team. She’s been with McClatchy since 2020.

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  • Suffolk Punch opens doors on new taproom near Lake Norman. ‘It took us a minute’

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    Charlotte-based Suffolk Punch Brewing’s has opened its third location, in Huntersville’s Birkdale Village near Lake Norman.

    Charlotte-based Suffolk Punch Brewing’s has opened its third location, in Huntersville’s Birkdale Village near Lake Norman.


    Suffolk Punch Brewing

    A Charlotte-based brewery has expanded its footprint beyond the Queen City.

    Suffolk Punch Brewing hosted guests at its new Birkdale Village taproom near Lake Norman at a soft opening Saturday, Dec. 13, an employee told CharlotteFive.

    It’s the brewery’s third Charlotte-area location, joining existing taprooms in South End and SouthPark.

    A rendering of Suffolk Punch Brewing at Birkdale Village.
    A rendering of Suffolk Punch Brewing at Birkdale Village. SUFFOLK PUNCH BREWING

    “Whether you’re stopping by for a quick beer, meeting friends for snacks, or settling in for a full hang, there’s truly something for everyone,” the brewery wrote in a recent Instagram post.

    The Birkdale Village spot had faced some construction delays, and owners spent more than a year getting permit approvals from the City of Huntersville, The Charlotte Observer previously reported. The two-story building features a full-service bar downstairs, plus a rooftop bar with seating overlooking The Plaza.

    The opening of Suffolk Punch Brewing’s third location, in Birkdale Village near Lake Norman, got back on track after construction delays and a year of getting town of Huntersville permit approvals, owner Seth Stidham said on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.
    The opening of Suffolk Punch Brewing’s third location, in Birkdale Village near Lake Norman, got back on track after construction delays and a year of getting town of Huntersville permit approvals, owner Seth Stidham said on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. JOE MARUSAK jmarusak@charlotteobserver.com

    “The energy, amazing outdoor experiences, and community focus that Birkdale provides overlaps with what we provide guests at Suffolk Punch,” co-owner Seth Stidham told The Observer at the time.

    “We’re absolutely stoked to join the stellar lineup at Birkdale and to serve all of our friends in the Lake Norman area.”

    As far as the menu, customers can expect:

    • “Easy-drinking favorites” including Blue Daisy Pilsner
    • Seasonal cocktails
    • Suffolk pretzel with Blue Daisy beer cheese

    Charlotte-based Suffolk Punch Brewing’s has opened its third location, in Huntersville’s Birkdale Village near Lake Norman.
    Charlotte-based Suffolk Punch Brewing’s has opened its third location, in Huntersville’s Birkdale Village near Lake Norman. Suffolk Punch Brewing

    Cheese and charcuterie boards are also on the menu alongside Italian flatbread sandwiches and other light bites.

    CharlotteFive reached out to Suffolk Punch Brewing for more information Monday and was awaiting a response.

    Joe Marusak contributed to this reporting.

    Suffolk Punch Brewing

    Location: 16912 Birkdale Commons Pkwy, Huntersville, NC 28078 (opening soon)

    Location: 2911 Griffith St, Charlotte, NC 28203

    Location: 4400 Sharon Rd Space G23D, Charlotte, NC 28211

    Instagram: @suffolkpunchbirkdale

    This story was originally published December 15, 2025 at 12:43 PM.

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    Tanasia Kenney

    Sun Herald

    Tanasia is a service journalism reporter at the Charlotte Observer | CharlotteFive, working remotely from Atlanta, Georgia. She covers restaurant openings/closings in Charlotte and statewide explainers for the NC Service Journalism team. She’s been with McClatchy since 2020.

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  • ‘We raise our glasses one last time’: Popular Charlotte brewery announces closing

    ‘We raise our glasses one last time’: Popular Charlotte brewery announces closing

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    Blue Blaze Brewing is about a mile from uptown at the end of Charlotte’s Stewart Creek Greenway. It’s closing in March.

    Blue Blaze Brewing is about a mile from uptown at the end of Charlotte’s Stewart Creek Greenway. It’s closing in March.


    Blue Blaze Brewing

    After 10 years in its current West Charlotte home, Blew Blaze Brewing has announced it will close in March.

    “We very much wish that our place here could have continued to be available to us into the future,” managing partner Craig Nunn wrote Saturday afternoon in a letter to customers. “Our sincerest hope is that we can find a solution and a path forward in a new location and temporarily contract brew with one of our brewery friends in town.

    “The search for these solutions to our challenges has and will continue in earnest. However, for now, we must unfortunately part ways from our current taproom.”

    In October 2022, The Charlotte Observer reported about how Blue Blaze was fighting to keep from being evicted after facing a potential rent increase of 376% from its landlord, Atlanta-based Portman Holdings. Portman began working that year on a 27-acre mixed-use development of the historic Savona Mill, which includes the brewery site.

    Blue Blaze Brewing is about a mile from uptown at the end of Charlotte’s Stewart Creek Greenway. It’s closing in March.
    Blue Blaze Brewing is about a mile from uptown at the end of Charlotte’s Stewart Creek Greenway. It’s closing in March. Blue Blaze Brewing

    The brewery is planning a last hurrah at the spot at the end of Stewart Creek Greenway the weekend of March 8-10.

    “We’ve completed this thru-hike and now we’ll move on to our next thru- on another long trail, and hope you’ll join us,” Nunn wrote. “For now, we raise our glasses one last time, we raise a toast to you, our family, (trail family), for your friendship, your loyalty, and your unwavering support.”

    Blue Blaze Brewing released a Trail Pale Ale beer last March, to celebrate North Carolina’s “Year of the Trail.”
    Blue Blaze Brewing released a Trail Pale Ale beer last March, to celebrate North Carolina’s “Year of the Trail.” Blue Blaze Brewing

    Blue Blaze Brewing

    Location: 528 S Turner Ave, Charlotte, NC 28208

    Instagram: @blueblazebrewing

    This story was originally published February 10, 2024, 5:24 PM.

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    Melissa Oyler is the editor of CharlotteFive. When she’s not writing or editing, you’ll find her running, practicing hot yoga or snuggling with her rescue dog, X. Find her on Instagram or Twitter: @melissaoyler.
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