With aching hearts and profound sadness, we share the news of the passing of our dear friend and longtime teammate, Brandon Dolce.
Brandon, a cornerstone of the Percent Small Batch Brewery family, left us far too soon, and his absence is already deeply felt by every person whose life he touched.
Brandon not only served as a staff member, but also embodied the essence of our taproom. From his earliest days with us, he brought an unmatched energy, humor, and care to everything he did.
Whether pouring the perfect pint, fixing a Wi-Fi issue on the fly, or simply offering a much-needed laugh with one of his endearingly awful jokes, Brandon gave of himself in ways big and small every single day. He was the kind of presence you didn’t just notice—you felt.
Those who knew Brandon knew what a truly rare person he was. He had a gift for making people feel welcome, seen, and valued. His wit, sometimes sharp and always hilarious, was matched by a deeply genuine kindness.
If you were lucky enough to enter Brandon’s orbit, you’d know that even a sarcastic middle finger or a muttered string of mock expletives came from a place of warmth, humor, and connection. That was just who he was—one-of-a-kind, unapologetically himself, and endlessly lovable.
In addition to his invaluable role at Percent, Brandon was also a full-time educator at Cox Mill High School, where he devoted himself to teaching and guiding the next generation with the same heart and dedication he gave to his work behind the bar.
He was also part of the High Branch Brewery team, where he shared his talents and spirit with yet another family of friends and coworkers. Brandon had a unique way of threading himself into the fabric of the communities he was part of, building bonds that felt more like family than friendship.
He showed up—not just to work, but for people. For his coworkers, his friends, his students. His generosity and loyalty knew no bounds. His legacy at Percent will live on in the laughter that still echoes through the taproom, in the stories we’ll tell for years to come, and in the deep gratitude we all feel for having known him.
Brandon wasn’t just part of our team—he helped shape who we are. As we move forward through this difficult time, our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Brandon’s family, his close friends, his students, and the entire extended community that loved him.
We’ll be holding each other close and leaning on the joy and memories he gave us. Thank you, Brandon, for everything—for the laughs, the loyalty, the heart, and the unforgettable mark you left on all of us. We miss you more than words can say.
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