Tanner’s Big Orange closing after 80 years in Greenville

GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - After 80 years of serving up hot dogs and fruit drinks in Greenville, Tanner’s Big Orange is closing its doors.

Fourth-generation owner John Zeller confirmed the restaurant’s last day open will be December 23.

Tanner’s first opened in Greenville in 1943 and the iconic orange sign on South Pleasantburg Drive has been a fixture of the community for decades after it moved to the spot in 1966.

Zeller said inflation and “Bidenomics” were part of the reason to close. The price of ingredients and supplies have doubled and tripled in some cases, Zeller said.

The COVID-19 pandemic and boycotts of the restaurant in 2020 dramatically decreased customers as well. For weeks, protestors stood in front of the restaurant after controversial and racially insensitive social media posts were made by Zeller. He later issued a public apology.

Zeller also said this year he has undergone two surgeries and physically cannot work like he used to.

Tanner’s employees will reportedly be receiving Christmas bonuses and severance when the restaurant closes.

Copyright 2023 WHNS. All rights reserved.