Manos leaving Springdale Town Council after 42 years

Gus Manos is stepping down as a Springdale town councilman after 42 years.

The quiet Lexington County community of 2,800 resident bears his imprint in ways large and small.

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,” he said.

It’s a role Manos undertook to repay the Midlands for welcoming a 12-year-old Greek immigrant in 1951.

“I’m part of the American dream and I’ll never forget that,” he said.

Away from Town Hall, Manos is known as the owner of Zesto restaurant, popular for ice cream, fried chicken and hamburgers.

At 77, he still works six days a week at the West Columbia eatery he’s run for more than 50 years. “Got to stay active,” he says.

Manos’ habit of chatting with customers allowed him to “get the pulse of what people feel,” former town mayor Pat Smith said.

Current Mayor Michael Bishop calls Manos “an instant mentor” with whom he will continue to confer weekly at the restaurant.

Manos didn’t publicize it, but he’s known for turning down his salary as a town leader so it could be used for other purposes as well as to provide food and drink free at town events.

He’s rejected overtures to run for the Legislature, saying his heart is in helping the town that’s been home for most of its 60 years of existence.

“I’m a low-key person,” he said. “It’s the perfect fit for me.”

With town hall in good hands, it’s time to step aside in a few weeks to spend more time with family, he said.

But Manos will answer if town officials call for advice and help.

“I’m here and willing to assist in any way,” he said.

This story was originally published December 25, 2015 at 11:28 AM.