VBGB, Sycamore Brewing pause operations until 2021

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Two well-known Charlotte businesses have decided to pause operations citing the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Tuesday, VBGB Beer Hall & Garden announced on its Facebook page that it would be temporarily closing because of limited operating capabilities due to COVID-19 regulations.

“This year continues to astound us, and as a business built on mass gatherings and concerts, we continue to pray and remain hopeful things change early next year,” the post read.

The restaurant is part of the AvidXchange Music Factory near uptown and relies on neighboring venues such as the Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre, which has been closed this year. The nearby Fillmore is rescheduling concerts well into next year.

VBGB will operate on a limited schedule this week and next, opening at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and at noon on Saturday. The restaurant and beer garden will be closed Dec. 13 through Jan. 31.

The restaurant’s sister concept, 8.2.0. Pizzeria & Bar has been closed since the start of the pandemic in mid-March. A post on its page said it hopes to reopen Feb. 1.

In South End, Sycamore Brewing announced on its Instagram page Monday that its taproom would close Dec. 1 until further notice.

“Due to COVID-19 safety precautions, we have offered an outdoor-only experience since early spring, and as the weather has turned colder, this option has become less feasible,” the post signed by owners Justin and Sarah Brigham read.

Delivery and pickup options will still be available during the taproom closure.

According to the post, the Brighams hope to be able to resume taproom operations sometime early next year.

The popular South End spot was the first Charlotte brewery to close amid the onset of the pandemic in mid-March, before North Carolina required it. It eventually reopened, only allowing outdoor seating in the beer garden.

Cox Media Group