USA, NC: Pittsboro�s Havoc Brewing shutting its doors for good

Another Triangle brewery is shutting its doors. Havoc Brewing in Pittsboro is at least the third brewery to close in the span of about two months, The News & Observer reported on December 11.

In November, Cary’s Cotton House Craft Brewers poured its last brews. News of that closure was followed by Vicious Fishes announcing it was shutting down its taproom in Fuquay-Varina, and then in December, its Apex taproom.

Havoc Brewing did not cite a reason for the closure in its Monday, Dec. 8 social media post sharing the news.

“From the moment we opened our doors, Pittsboro welcomed us with warmth, curiosity, and an incredible sense of community,” Havoc Brewing wrote in the post. “Thank you for showing up for us, cheering us on, and making Havoc a place where friendships were made and memories were shared.”

The brewery’s last day will be Sunday, Dec. 14. Havoc Brewing is located at 39 West St. in Pittsboro.

“And to our guests, whether you came in once or a hundred times, thank you for believing in us. As we prepare to close, we want to honor our incredible staff. If you’re able, please come by in the coming days, raise a glass with us, and tip generously,” Havoc wrote. “They’ve poured their hearts into this place.”

Havoc Brewing was founded in 2023, owned by military veterans Michael Pipkin and Troy Benton, The News & Observer previously reported.

Triangle Business Journal first reported on the brewery’s closure.

The brewery filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection earlier this year, Triangle Business Journal reported at the time, but Havoc said it was not closing.

“We’re restructuring behind the scenes to make Havoc even stronger for the long haul,” Havoc wrote in an April social media post. “Our doors are open.”

Cotton House also filed for bankruptcy, The N&O previously reported, and was purchased by Triangle Beer Co. Cotton House wrote on Instagram that it had hoped to remain open longer, but “those decisions were ultimately shaped by others with financial control over the process.”

Vicious Fishes cited increased rent as the reason why it closed its Fuquay location. Its Apex taproom closed because the site was “pledged to a development group,” but the brewery’s Angier and Cary locations are still open.

The closures reflect a nationwide trend. According to a recent report from the Brewers Association, more breweries closed than opened in 2024; closings hadn’t outpaced openings since 2005.