Tanner’s Big Orange is an institution in Greenville, as evidenced by the line that wound through the restaurant on Nov. 15 – the day it announced its closing.
The restaurant on South Pleasantburg Drive will serve its final hot dogs, burgers and fries on Dec. 23.
“This is a slice of Americana,” said owner John Zeller.
The restaurant has been in Zeller’s family for generations. It was first called The Orange Mill on North Main Street, opening in 1943. The current location opened in 1966.
“My dad, before he died, he would liken it to a lighthouse,” Zeller said. “He would say it’s been a real lighthouse for the family.”
Zeller said the closing was due to a mix of economic and personal reasons. His father, James Zeller, passed away in June 2022. The rising cost of supplies and upkeep made it harder to keep the operation afloat.
“I used to go to Donaldson Center, the package supply, and I would pay 18 cents for an empty half-gallon and 21 cents for the gallon jug. And a penny for the plastic cap to put on top of it.” Zeller said.
Zeller said an empty gallon jug costs 53 cents today. Due to recent unavailability among local distributors, he now buys them from Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
“I have to pay $150 for freight to get them down here, which raises my landed costs for the gallon jugs to 70 center and a nickel for the [cap],” he said.
The end of the restaurant has a deeper impact than losing a familiar treat.
“I started working part-time in ’72 and then went full-time in March of 1976. I was exactly 12 years old,” said manager Tina Stewart. “We’re going to miss it, but we also understand. We’re here every day.”
Several employees have worked in the restaurant since they were kids, and some have seen generations of their families work there.
Tausha Gomez has worked at Tanner’s since she was a teenager, about 36 years. Her children have also worked there.
“I stayed because it’s like family,” Gomez said. “John and his dad were both good to me.”
Zeller said his employees would still receive Christmas bonuses and severance when the space has sold. He said another local business is on track to buy it.
As for Zeller, he’s taking his operation with him, including the big sign, for what may come next. He’s proud of the tradition and storms the restaurant survived.
“No question I’ll miss it,” Zeller said. “I miss it already.”
