John and Yana Allen are the proprietors of Rotties221 Biergarten. An avocation, turned into a dream, turned into a business for this adventurous couple. Converting an old storefront in downtown Woodruff, SC into a cozy niche, that will attract even the most discerning beer lover is the result of careful planning, a whole lot of blood, sweat and tears and an undying love of craft beer.

With 24 taps of everything from Ciders to Witbiers, Brown and Red Ales, Stouts, Porters, Lagers and IPAs, Rotties 221 is worth the drive from Spartanburg or Greenville (just 20 minutes from each). Beers range from ABVs of 4.5% to a hearty 13% so there is something on tap for everyone here. This biergarten, as the name implies, features an outdoor beer garden, with games like Corn Hole, Yard Yahtzee and Connect Four and also also serves great food. This Summer, they will also be adding an upstairs patio for your dining and drinking pleasure. Of note, Yana attended Johnson and Wales Culinary School in Denver, so you can expect the food to reflect that training.

John Allen was born in Beaufort, SC, but his family settled in Hobbs, NM after his father retired from the Marine Corps, (realize of course, that once a Marine, always a Marine).  Leaving the dry heat of New Mexico behind, John and Yana have been back in South Carolina for 13 years now. John is of Scottish descent, and has not only participated in the Greenville Scottish Games for the last ten years, he is also the director of Highland Athletics.  John and Yana opened Rotties221 Biergarten, (a dog-friendly venue) in late 2019.

Yana is originally from Rochester, NY and is of German descent. As mentioned above, she lived in Colorado for several years, where she attended Johnson & Wales Culinary school. She worked in the corporate world for 20 years before being laid off, setting the course for Rotties221 Biergarten.

John and Yana love visiting SW Louisiana to dance zydeco and enjoy creole food.  At Rotties 221 you'll see influences of Scottish, German and Louisiana in the decor and menu, as well as a love of rottweilers at Rotties 221 Biergarten

The Allens are quick to mention all the help they had in bringing their dream to reality, and would like to publicly acknowledge the friends that spent many hours helping them make it happen. In no particular order, they are: Stan Cody and Doris Gom, Bob & Julie Speiss, Chris Eagan & Jennifer Rabon, Dale and Suzi Castle and Celeste Englehardt