North Carolina businesses drop Sycamore Brewing products after the co-owner was arrested on statutory rape charges involving a 13-year-old.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. โ Multiple businesses in North Carolina are severing ties with Sycamore Brewing after the company’s co-owner was arrested for statutory rape in Stanly County.
Justin Tawse Brigham, 44, was arrested Thursday and faces three felony charges: statutory rape of a child under 15 years of age, first-degree burglary and indecent liberties with a child, according to court records reviewed by WCNC Charlotte.
An arrest warrant from the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office said Brigham, on Wednesday, broke into a home and engaged in sexual acts with a 13-year-old girl. He was taken into custody on Thursday and appeared in court in the morning.
RELATED: Former co-owner of Sycamore Brewing accused of statutory rape, breaking into teen girl’s home
Freya’s Haus in Wilmington was among the first businesses to announce it was pulling all Sycamore Brewing products “effective immediately.”
“Every dollar from remaining sales will be donated to our local rape crisis center, supporting survivors in our community,” Freya’s Haus said on Facebook. “We believe accountability and care for people matter more than silence.”
The Wilmington bar also explained that the decision comes from personal experience. The author, a domestic violence survivor, said the post’s sole purpose is to support the victim, remembering how public solidarity mattered during their own case.
“Weโre going to say this one time and one time only. This post was a deliberate decision we made to be transparent about our values and where we stand.
As a former domestic violence survivor, I remember when my own case became public on a worldwide level. I remember people arguing in comment sections just like this. And I also remember how much the few voices offering support meant to me during the most harrowing moments of my life.
This post exists for one reason only: to show support for the victim. That is the only conversation we are here to have.
Anything beyond that is not up for discussion.”
The Mason Jar Group, a Charlotte-based hospitality company that owns Bargarita in NoDa and Charlotte’s Tilt on Trade, also announced it would remove Sycamore products from its locations.
“We are heartbroken and disgusted by the news that came out today. Effective immediately, we will no longer carry Sycamore beers in any of our stores. We send our thoughts and prayers to the victim and everyone else who was affected by this horrific act.”
Hoppin’ Charlotte posted an Instagram story Friday morning, stating, “We will no longer be serving Sycamore beer.
WCNC Charlotte has reached out to multiple businesses and stores to determine whether they will continue to carry Sycamore products.
Lowe’s replied to our inquiry, saying the store will no longer carry the product. Publix also confirmed it would remove Sycamore’s products from store shelves.ย
“I can confirm that we sent a note to our stores yesterday to pull product from the shelves,”ย Lowes Foods said. “We do not have plans to carry the product in the future.”
A spokesperson from Food Lion also responded with the following statement.
“Food Lion has made the decision to remove product from our shelves and is discontinuing all future orders.”
The North Carolina Craft Brewers’ Guild also responded to the charges. While Sycamore isn’t a member of the guild, it did offer condolences to the victim, her family, and everyone impacted by the situation:
The North Carolina Craft Brewers’ Guild is deeply disturbed by the serious criminal charges filed against Justin Brigham, co-owner of Sycamore Brewing. These allegations are shocking and run counter to everything our industry stands for.
The NC Craft Brewers’ Guild represents approximately 300 member breweries across our state who actively collaborate, support one another, and work together to strengthen their communities. That said, Sycamore Brewing has not been a member of our Guild, and has maintained only minimal engagement with our craft beer community at large.
Our members are held to high ethical standards and commit to maintaining safe and welcoming spaces. In the wake of these disturbing allegations, we have been heartened to see Guild members stepping forward to support organizations that provide services to victims of abuse.ย
On behalf of NC Beer, our condolences go out to the victim, her family, and all impacted during this extraordinarily difficult time. We trust that the legal process will proceed with the gravity and urgency these charges demand.
The NC Craft Brewers’ Guild remains dedicated to fostering a craft beer culture built on integrity, responsibility, and respect for all members of our community.
Still more businesses continued to make similar announcements, including Hand Crafted Market in Charlotte, which also directed people to resources for sexual abuse survivors:
We have previously worked with Sycamore Brewing and had them scheduled for monthly events in 2026. Following the recent arrest of a former co-owner on serious criminal charges, we are severing all ties with Sycamore Brwing effective immediately.
While we understand that Sycamore Brewing and the former co-owner are legally separate, the severity of these allegations leaves no space for continued support of either. I am personally disgusted by what has been alleged, and do not believe it is appropriate to remain connected to any business associated with conduct of this nature.
I stand with those who are harmed and firmly against abuse, violence, and exploitation. This decision reflects my commitment to safety, accountability, and the values I expect from the businesses and partners I work with.
I appreciate the understanding of our vendors, partners, and community as this stance is taken.
Many residents said on Friday that they were shocked to hear the news.ย
โItโs a shame because itโs not anything I can support ever again after hearing that kind of news,โ shared neighbor Harrison Pegram.
โI think itโs crazy and I feel bad for the girl and her family,” resident Christopher Nino said.
Some also say they won’t be going back – unless there are major changes.ย
โIf it went under new management or ownership, I would return,” Clark Hastings noted
โTime heals all. Once thereโs been some time, Iโm sure people will forget and start coming back,” said Dillon House. “But within the next weeks to months? Definitely not.”
Contact Anna King at aking2@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X, andย Instagram.
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