Skin’s Hotdogs; An Upstate Institution Turns 75

Skin’s Hotdogs is certainly a tradition and an institution in the Upstate area. The success of Skin’s, which is celebrating its 75^th year, is based mainly on the commitment to provide a consistent experience and quality meal for the customer on every visit.

Skin’s had its beginnings in Anderson in 1946 when Loyd “Skin” Thrasher began serving short order meals out of a tiny house with a “pool hall” atmosphere. Over time, the pool tables went away to accommodate more diners, and the famous hotdogs became the menu’s centerpiece. That founding location is still in operation today at 203 Hudgens Street.

For the past thirty-five years, the company has been run by Mike Thrasher, Matt Thrasher, and Wayne Harbin. Skin’s has been named “Best of Anderson thirteen times, Best of Upstate fourteen times, and Best of Seneca ten times. The company has been featured in national magazines, on TV, and radio programs and visited by dignitaries and celebrities, even Presidents. Skin’s was even included in a charity fundraiser event in Washington, DC, called “Taste of the South”.

Despite all the accolades and famous guests, the company’s leadership stays grounded and focused on consistency in every visitor’s experience every day. Wayne says, “The thing I love to hear is when people who have moved away come back to visit, and they say it’s the same as it was years ago. It hasn’t changed one bit.”

With 11 locations across the Upstate, growth is a part of the company’s long-term strategy. Still, they base new sites on the readiness of managers in the ranks who can make sure the new restaurant delivers the Skin’s experience for its customers. In other words, do it the Skin’s way. Management is usually developed from within, growing through the ranks from a group of long-term team members.

Loyal customers take their relationships with Skin’s personally, well beyond just a dining destination. Mike Thrasher tells a story about having a roof repaired on a location, and a customer stopped him and asked what they were doing. He wanted to be sure “his Skin’s” wasn’t changing.

Having served the community for three-quarters of a century, Skin’s has become a part of innumerable family traditions and memories. One customer said, in an online review, “If you want to try an Anderson original, you must have a Skin’s hotdog.” Still, others refer to it as a lifelong experience. One reviewer says,” A lifetime tradition. If it isn’t Skin’s, it isn’t a hot dog.” The rave reviews also praise the Skin’s staff as well as the food.

A family-friendly atmosphere is important. Signs in each location and on the company’s website advise patrons that, “The language you use in church is good enough to use here.” The original location also serves beer with a two per person limit.

You’ll not find the owners boasting about what the company does to give back to the community, but regular visitors will recognize major promotions every year to benefit the MS Society and the American Cancer Society. A ride around Anderson shows the company’s consistent support of schools and other local interests. The Chamber of Commerce once named Skin’s “A pillar of the community.”

The location on Clemson Boulevard has been closed due to a fire a couple of years ago, but that restaurant recently reopened. The folks in the Upstate are hoping for another seventy-five years from this dining locale that has become a part of the area’s fabric.

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