Skin Thrasher's Hot Dogs History

Those who try’em say they’ve never had a better hotdog.  With stores across upstate South Carolina, everyone can see what all the fuss is about.  Skins has a deep tradition of giving each customer quality service, a quality hotdog, & a clean environment—all for a reasonable family price.

Skins was established in Anderson, SC in 1946 by Loyd “Skin” Thrasher.  In a humble, “pool hall” type atmosphere Skin sold anything he could, including short-order meals such as sandwiches, hamburgers, & the same hotdogs we enjoy today.  As time passed, the hotdogs became the item of choice for Skin’s patrons.  To meet the local milltown folks’ demand for a quick & quality meal, Skin decided to get rid of the pool tables & concentrate on hotdogs.  Today the legend lives on just the same.

By the 1980’s, Skins had built a reputation across upstate SC, as well as other states all across the southeast.  News outlets everywhere began spreading the word about the tiny house hidden in the heart of Anderson.  The Atlanta Journal, Charlotte Observer, Greenville News, Anderson Independent, & a host of others told the tale of “Skin Thrasher’s Café” as it evolved into what we all now refer to simply as “The Original.”  In 1985 Skin decided to hang up his apron & pass the business on to his 3 sons & son-in-law.  1988 saw Skins open up the #2 store on Clemson Boulevard in Anderson & in the 1990’s Skins opened 5 more stores(Seneca, 28bypass in And., Clemson, Easley, & Mauldin)  With the growth, came national attention via Gourmet, Money, & Fortune Magazines, as well as PBS & National Public Radio proclaiming Skins as 1 of the top 10 hotdogs in America.  Soon after, Skins was invited to make a trip to Capital Hill to participate in the Washington DC “Taste of the South” fundraiser where each year the south’s best foods & flavors are handpicked & served in the nation’s capitol with area charities receiving the proceeds.

Skin Thrasher passed away in April of 1998, but the passion for a good hotdog & a great overall experience lives on though his family.  In 2000, Skins stepped into Greenville, SC with stores on Pelham Road & Mills Avenue. 

The Skins attitude is one of commitment.  Commitment to old fashioned family values, to unmatched quality, & to the most important thing…you, the customer.  Please make yourself at home & enjoy the secret recipe chili, a side of homemade cole slaw, & mama’s fresh homemade Chocolate poundcake. 

We greatly appreciate your continued support.  Please let us know what you think about your experiences with us & hurry back.