USA, NC: Gastonia’s Cavendish Brewing Company closes for good

After about 10 years in business, Gastonia social hub Cavendish Brewing Company has closed effective Jan. 8, the Gaston Gazette reported.

In a message posted to social media, owner Scott Cavendish announced that he is retiring from the beer business and asked the community to bid him farewell at a retirement party held at the brewery, 207 N. Chester St.

While the news seemed to shock commenters, Cavendish said in a Jan. 7 interview that the move is not as sudden as it may seem on the outside.

For quite some time, he said, he has been in discussions with Sugar Creek Brewing Company about selling Cavendish Brewing Company to them.

The brewery’s final day as Cavendish Brewing Company was Jan. 7, and Cavendish said he does not know exactly when it will reopen as Sugar Creek Brewing Company. He does believe it will undergo some renovations.

He added that he believes Sugar Creek will expand the brewery and, "take it places I never could."

Cavendish said Sugar Creek's brewing style matches his own in many ways, and it felt like the best company to buy the building.

As for his own future, Cavendish said he will continue working as an engineer and consultant, and plans to, “do a little more living,” than he could as a full-time business owner.

That includes more fishing, music and other hobbies, he said.

Cavendish’s journey brewing beer really began as a home hobby in 2000, and opening the brewery was the fulfillment of, “every home-brewer’s dream,” he said.

It was certainly a dream for him, which he said has been crossed off of his bucket list.

While he feels it is time to move on, Cavendish said the decision to close up shop was difficult to make.

Ultimately, he said he is grateful for the chance to live out his dream and for the community members and friends who made Cavendish Brewing Company possible.

10 January, 2026