BREWERY

Spartanburg’s Original Brewery

With its roots as a small brewpub on Morgan Square, Rockers Brewing Co. has evolved and expanded since its opening in 1997.  From moving to locations with bigger capacities to the development of new and unique handcrafted brews, Rockers has established itself as an integral part of the Spartanburg community.  For over 25 years, Rockers has watched this town grow and with it the local craft beer scene.

We have something for everyone in the Tap Room.  Check out the live music every week, sports games on our flat screens, and a variety of events and activities.  With around 5,000 barrels of capacity, you can find Rockers handcrafted brew in our restaurant, as well as throughout the Upstate and in Asheville, N.C. – on draft and in cans.

Our History

Originally a brewpub – a restaurant that sells beer brewed on the premises – RJ Rockers quickly established itself as the soul of downtown nightlife and served as a catalyst for the revitalization of Morgan Square.  Rockers and Abby’s Grill opened within two weeks of one another in April of 1997, adding to Morgan Square’s nightlife and increasing the need for downtown parking overnight.  As other businesses found roots on Morgan Square, the area has become an integral part of the community in Downtown Spartanburg.

With the limitations of production as a brewpub to 2,000 barrels a year, RJ Rockers began the transition into a full-blown brewery.

After maxing capacity at the 1,200 barrel location, RJ Rockers returned to Downtown Spartanburg in August 2009.  They moved into their current location in the Grain District of Downtown Spartanburg where previous owners include the Salvation Army and a Dodge Dealership.

The Stone Act was passed in 2014 allowing breweries to sell food along with their handcrafted beers.  Before this legislation was passed, breweries could brew and distribute beer, but they could not serve food.  The exception was brewpubs, but they were limited in how much they could produce.

Rockers Restaurant within the brewery opened in 2017.  With no limitations on how much beer they could brew, Rockers reentered the Spartanburg food scene.  In developing their menu items, complimentary beer flavors were incorporated into tasty appetizers and entrees that pair well with Rockers’ brewed beer.

In April, Rockers celebrated their 25th anniversary and commemorated their past achievements by hosting 25 Years of Beer at the brewery.  With “Birthday Boy” on tap, folks got to enjoy live music and a burger cook-off next door, all while celebrating the last two and a half decades with Rockers.

RJ Rockers officially becomes Rockers Brewing Co. with a creative rebrand.  Rockers debuted new logos and branding materials to create a fresh visual that still captures aspects of their roots.

About Our Founder

While on active military duty in Germany, Mark Johnsen, our founder, became enamored by the process of making some of the best beer in the world.  After returning to the U.S. in 1995, he started seeing brewpubs and craft breweries taking hold in the Pacific Northwest.  While riding a chairlift high atop a mountain in Pocatello, Idaho he had an epiphany:  Why not start his own brewery and have free beer for life?  And fifteen months later, the dream became a reality. 

The Renaissance project with Arthur Cleveland had just been announced in Spartanburg and, having family in the area, Mark saw an opportunity to be a part of the revitalization of downtown. He was inspired by Wynkoop Brewery in Denver, Colorado, and saw how their efforts had brought so much energy to a place that desperately needed it. RJ Rockers Brewing Company opened its doors in April 1997 on a mission to provide delicious, hand-crafted beer to the good people of the Upstate.

Farewell Mark

Our Team

John Bauknight

OWNER

Evan Franklin

HEAD BREWER

Sabina

GENERAL MANAGER

Jordan

BACK OF HOUSE MANAGER

Matt

TAPROOM LEAD

Kendra

HEAD PREP

Jess

BEERTENDER

Kim

BARTENDER

Jennifer

BARTENDER

We're Eco-Friendly

The solar panels you see on top of the brewery help heat up 60% of the water we use in production! We’re sustaining delicious beer and our environment at the same time!

We're Eco-Friendly

The solar panels you see on top of the brewery help heat up 60% of the water we use in production! We’re sustaining delicious beer and our environment at the same time!

Ready To Eat?

NOW THAT YOU'VE HAD A TASTE OF OUR BEER... HOP ON OVER TO OUR RESTAURANT FOR A BITE TO EAT!
SEE OUR RESTAURANT