Gus Manos, longtime Columbia-area restaurant owner and public servant, dies
The recent death of Gus Manos, the longtime co-owner of Zesto of West Columbia, was mourned on the restaurant’s Facebook page.
“We are saddened by the passing of Gus Manos, one of the owners of Zesto of West Columbia,” the Facebook post said.
The 88-year-old Manos died Dec. 19, according to an obituary shared by Thompson Funeral Homes. A cause of death wasn’t included, but in the obituary Manos’ family thanked Dr. James L. Wells, III and the staff of Lexington Oncology “for over a decade of care and compassion.”
The life of the “devoted husband, proud father and grandfather, respected public servant, veteran and beloved restaurateur ... was defined by service to his country, his community, and the generations of people he welcomed through the doors of Zesto of West Columbia,” the obituary said.
He was as much of a fixture at the restaurant — known for its chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs and ice cream desserts — as the giant sculpture of a chocolate-dipped ice cream cone that has towered over the 12th Street location since 1981.
“It’s a landmark, no doubt,” Manos told The State in a 2024 interview.
So too was Manos, who often held court at one of the restaurant’s tables, permanently reserved for him to spend time chatting with friends as much as it was a place to keep an eye on Zesto employees and greet customers.
“Zesto was more than a restaurant — it was a gathering place where traditions were shared and memories were made,” the obituary said.
Manos, who was 11 when he came to the U.S. from his native Greece, became a partner in Zesto of West Columbia in 1961, according to the obituary. The Columbia High School alum and U.S. Army veteran joined with Angelo Tsiantis to buy the restaurant that they co-owned for decades.
While it’s not affiliated with the other Zesto locations in South Carolina, the West Columbia restaurant became a cornerstone of the community, the obituary said.
“Success comes through quality products and quality service,” Manos said in 2024. “That’s all. You have to have quality products, and the personnel.”
In 1996, Manos’ son, Pete, became a co-owner in the restaurant, and in 2003 Gus and Pete bought Tsiantis’ share.
But Manos was more than a restaurateur.
Beginning in 1974, he served on the Springdale Town Council for 42 years and also held the role of Mayor Pro Tempore, helping guide the town’s growth and advocating for its residents, according to the obituary.
Over the years, Manos mowed grass, sprayed for mosquitoes and picked up trash as well as helped to set standards for development in the community next to Columbia Metropolitan Airport.
“In order to have quality neighborhoods, you’ve got to have all that,” Manos told The State in 2015, when announcing he was leaving town council. “I’m part of the American dream and I’ll never forget that.”
In recognition of his lifelong service and impact on the state of South Carolina, he was awarded the Order of the Palmetto in 2015 from then Gov. Nikki Haley, receiving the state’s highest civilian honor.
“Gus was more than a restaurateur — he was a ... pillar of our community. For decades, he helped shape not only Zesto but also the Town of Springdale and the greater West Columbia community through his service and leadership,” the restaurant’s Facebook post said. “We are incredibly grateful for his legacy, his dedication, and the example he set through a lifetime of hard work, kindness, and commitment to others.”
Zesto of West Columbia, which is normally closed Sundays will also be shuttered Monday, according to the Facebook post. Manos’ funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, the obituary said.
It will be an opportunity “to allow our family and team to honor the life of Gus Manos,” the Facebook post said.
Manos is survived by wife of 60 years, Sheri, as well as Pete and his family, among others, according to the obituary.
“Manos leaves behind a legacy of integrity, perseverance, and generosity. His influence lives on in the family he loved, the community he served and the countless lives he touched through quiet leadership, unwavering values, and a lifelong commitment to bringing people together,” the obituary said.
Staff reporter Chris Trainor contributed to this story.
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