Former Zesto building near Columbia could become a dairy bar once more. What we know
A new dairy bar is eyeing the property that was formerly long the home to Zesto in Forest Acres.
A handwritten posterboard hanging in the window Tuesday at the former Zesto at 3239 Forest Drive said, “Coming soon! Mo’s Dairy Bar.” There also was a city of Forest Acres building permit hanging in the window when a reporter went by on Tuesday. The permit, issued April 3, was for electrical work in the building.
Officials with the city of Forest Acres confirmed they have been in contact with Mo’s Dairy Bar about the possibility of the restaurant operating at the longtime Zesto site. There was no readily available online or social media presence for Mo’s Dairy Bar as of Wednesday morning.
The Zesto on Forest Drive closed in December 2024 after 75 years in business, as the restaurant’s owner retired. The restaurant had a dining room and a walk-up window, and it was common to see folks lined up outside the window at lunchtime along busy Forest Drive, and enjoying meals at the picnic tables outside. Much of the furniture, equipment and other fixtures were still visible inside the building when a reporter peeked in the window on Tuesday.
Zesto was known for its cheeseburgers, fried chicken, ice cream, fries, shakes, and more. Forest Acres officials told The State the concept of the potential new restaurant could be familiar.
“Our understanding is the offerings would be similar,” city administrator Shaun Greenwood said in an email. “We are hopeful this does develop. A local spot with the nostalgic feel of Zesto’s is certainly missed in Forest Acres.”
The Zesto name is one that stretches back to the 1940s and was once a chain. That chain broke up in the 1950s, and many Zesto restaurants continued under that banner, albeit independently owned. There remain two Zesto restaurants, unaffiliated with each other, in the Midlands: one in West Columbia, one on North Main Street in Columbia.
