Protesters filled the sidewalk in front of Tanner's Big Orange in Greenville Saturday, calling for the restaurant to shut down and leave town over social media posts made by the owner.
About 30 people demonstrated in front of the business property, which was marked off with yellow tape and "no trespassing" signs.
The owner, John Allen Zeller, confirmed for The Greenville News earlier this month that he made a social media post about race and cuckolding, or women having sex with someone other than their husbands.
Chants from the peaceful protest echoed down the block as cars sped by on busy South Pleasantburg Drive, some honking in support.
"No hot dogs today!" they shouted, and "who's dollars matter? Black dollars matter!"
Saturday's rally was the latest in a number of demonstrations that have taken place at the business since Zeller made the social media posts, with people voicing opposition to the business and Zeller's online comments.
"The goal is for him to get his building sold and get someone in here who's really for the community," said Trina Young, of Greenville.
The restaurant, known for its hot dogs and orange drink, has been in business at its location on South Pleasantburg Drive since 1966. Protesters Saturday keyed in on Tanner's location there, in what is a predominantly Black community.
Horace Butler, of Greenville, who said he grew up less than a mile from there, said it would be "doing a disservice" to the community if people continue to support Tanner's. He and others at the protests urged people to take their business elsewhere.
"You can't treat the black community like this," said Bruce Wilson, a community activist with Fighting Injustice Together. "We want him to leave – we want him to go."
After: Activists call for charges against man who drove SUV into a group of Tanner's Big Orange protesters
Result: Man charged in connection with confrontation during Tanner's Big Orange protest
There was no sign of activity within the restaurant Saturday, which was closed. Reached by phone Saturday, Zeller told The News he chose to not open for the day when he found out there would be a demonstration in front of his business.
Zeller, who has operated Tanner's for about 25 years, said he has no plans to close or relocate his business. “As callous and hurtful as my comments were," they don’t necessitate him closing “in a court of law," he said.
“No one benefits from my business failing," he said, noting that tax revenue from his restaurant goes back into the community.
Zeller said he plans to hold a press conference soon outlining steps aimed at moving toward reconciliation with the people he's offended.
“There needs to be less talk about retribution and more talk about reconciliation," Zeller said. "There needs to be a lot of talk of forgiveness.”
Greenville News Reporter Mike Ellis contributed to this report.
You can connect with reporter Gabe Cavallaro on Twitter @gabe_cavallaro or facebook.com/cavallarogabe or email him at gcavallaro@greenvillenews.com.
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June 28, 2020 at 02:08AM
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'No hot dogs today': Protesters call for Tanner's Big Orange to shut down in Saturday rally - Greenville News
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