Mount Pleasant’s Johnny’s Hot Dogs to Stay Open After Royall Hardware Sale
MOUNT PLEASANT, SC — A staple of Mount Pleasant’s food scene will continue serving up hot dogs, breakfast sandwiches, and lunch favorites even after a major change in ownership next door. Johnny’s Hot Dogs, which operates out of a corner space at Royall Ace Hardware, will remain open following the hardware store’s sale to Elder’s Ace Hardware.
The news comes as a relief to longtime customers who feared the local favorite might shut down after nearly two decades in operation.
A 4th of July Tradition Lives On
With the sale becoming official just before the July 4th holiday — Johnny’s busiest day of the year — many regulars began asking about the stand’s future. For fans of the 40-topping menu and “7-ish to 3-ish” hours, the answer couldn’t be better.
“The hot dog stand will remain,” confirmed Lisa Johnson, executive assistant to Tom Glenn, president of Elder’s Ace Hardware, which took over operations on July 1.
Johnny’s Hot Dogs has long been considered one of the best hot dog spots in Charleston, regularly praised for its classic style and friendly service.
From Retirement Joke to Local Icon
Current owner Jimmy Purcell took over the business seven years ago from longtime operator Joe Baymon and his son Johnny — for whom the stand is named.
“Mr. Royall asked me how retirement was and I jokingly said, ‘I need to find a hot dog stand like you,’” Purcell told Post and Courier. “He and Joe Baymon called me a week later.”
The stand is tucked away at 883 Ben Sawyer Blvd and continues to operate Monday through Saturday with its famously relaxed hours. Johnny’s has built a loyal following among hardware store patrons, hungry workers, and hot dog aficionados alike.
Do you have memories of grabbing a hot dog at Johnny’s over the years? Share your favorite moments in the comments — and find more Mount Pleasant community stories at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
