Sycamore Brewing has been forced to rebrand after the owner was accused of raping a teenage girl
A successful North Carolina liquor store started by a celebrity couple was forced to change its name after the husband was arrested for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl he was grooming on social media.
Justin Brigham, 44, and his now-estranged wife, Sarah Taylor, 41, spent years dominating the local beer scene with their hometown company, Sycamore Brewing, out of Charlotte.
But their storybook story fell apart late last year when Brigham’s was hit with several sickening lawsuits — forcing the popular spot to close its doors before reopening under a new name and owner a few weeks ago.
The move to rebrand is believed to be part of a last-ditch effort to salvage whatever remains of the once-thriving business’ reputation, reports the Daily Mail.
The scandal broke when Brigham was caught on December 10 breaking into the family home of a young child in the middle of the night and allegedly assaulting her.
He had been grooming the child via Snapchat and text for two weeks, court documents said.
The girl’s parents, who were home at the time of the incident, called 911 after finding her in the girl’s bedroom, authorities said.
Responding officers later found Brigham naked in his car outside, police said.
He was hit with a number of felony charges, including statutory rape of a minor, first-degree burglary and indecent liberties with a minor.
Brigham’s wife quickly filed for divorce and issued a public statement distancing herself and Sycamore Brewing from the rapist.
The company said Brigham had been stripped of its ownership following the lawsuits and noted that his wife and co-founder are now sole owners.
“The serious allegations against my ex-partner have left me devastated,” Taylor said in a statement.
“My biggest hope is that the legal system will come [the victim] the justice, care and protection they deserve.”
The brewery’s decline worsened as dozens of major retailers — including Publix and Lowe’s Foods — pulled beer from their shelves.
In March, the taproom closed for a while before reopening as Club West Brewing.
The company is now owned by one of Sycamore Brewing’s former employees, Brad Bergman, WCNC reports.
The name and identity change is reportedly an attempt to give a “fresh start” to the criminal case, according to the outlet.
Brigham, meanwhile, is being held on $11 million bond.
He will face court again next month.
