Giannis "John" Sanoulis was born in Viniani, Evrytania to Dimitri and Fotini (Banias) Sanoulis. He has two older brothers (George and Kostas). He attended elementary school in Viniani (while "Frosso" served as the teacher) until he finished second grade, shortly before the 1966 earthquake. Afterwards, the school was transferred to New Viniani (with Stavros Nikopoulos serving as teacher) and John was able to complete his elementary education. In 1972, John accompanied his parents and George in immigrating to the United States, where they spent a month in Richmond, Virginia at the invitation of Nick Kolokythas. After their brief stay, they relocated to Greenville, South Carolina, whereupon Spiro, George, and Chris Hassiotis aided them in settling for the long term. John began his career in the restaurant business by working for the Clock Drive-In and Palmetto Drive-In. In 1978, he and his family bought the Pete's Drive-In on Wade Hampton. In the early 1980's, their success allowed them to purchase a disco bar and the Pete's Drive-In in Piedmont, South Carolina, both of which they sold in 1987. That same year, John (at the age of 29) made his first trip back to Greece.

In 1990, he bought the "Cheers!" Sports Bar & Restaurant, which he owned and operated until 2002. The last restaurant he ran was Little John's Pizza, which he operated until 2007.

John is an avid hunter of small and big game, and an accomplished golfer. He presently resides on his farm in the Greenville area.