
Skin’s Hotdogs is certainly a tradition and an institution in the Upstate area. The success of Skin’s, which is celebrating its 75th 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.
