A concurrent RESOLUTION

 

To request the Department of Transportation name the portion of 12th Street from its intersection with Knox Abbott Drive to its intersection with Jarvis Klapman Boulevard in the City of West Columbia in Lexington County "Gus Manos Memorial Street" and erect appropriate markers or signs at this location containing these words.

 

Whereas, devoted husband, proud father and grandfather, veteran, and dedicated community leader are among the labels used to describe Gus Pete Manos who peacefully passed away December 19, 2025. Most, however, remember him as the beloved restauranteur who welcomed generations of people through the doors of Zesto, a local institution and cornerstone of the West Columbia-Triangle City community; and

 

Whereas, born in Magoula, Greece, to parents Panagioti and Eleni Mavrogiannis, Gus Manos emigrated to the United States at the age of eleven, carrying with him a deep appreciation for the opportunity, hard work, and family. He graduated from Columbia High School in 1958 and went on to proudly serve his adopted country in the United States Army as a member of the military police; and

 

Whereas, Manos became a part of Zesto of West Columbia in 1961 having worked at the Five Points location prior to that. Under his stewardship, Zesto became more than a restaurant, it was a gathering place where traditions were shared and memories were made while patrons dined on fried chicken, cheeseburgers and those legendary chocolate dipped ice cream cones. Manos' lasting contributions to the restaurant industry were recognized with his induction into the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association Restaurant Hall of Fame; and

 

Whereas, a dedicated public servant, Manos begin serving on the Springdale Town Council in 1974 and served continuously for forty-two years. He also held the role of Mayor Pro Tempore, helping guide the town's growth and advocating for its residents. In recognition for his lifelong service and impact on the State of South Carolina, in 2015 he was awarded the Order of the Palmetto, the state's highest civilian honor; and

 

Whereas, a man of deep conviction, Manos was a lifelong and devoted member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Columbia where his faith, heritage, and sense of community were central to his life. Above all, he was a family man whose greatest pride were his loved ones that included Sheri Manos, his wife of sixty years, his son and daughter-in-law, Pete and Anastasia Manos, and his cherished granddaughter, Melina, who brought him immense joy; and

 

Whereas, Gus Pete 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 and unwavering values. With a lifelong commitment of public service, it is only fitting and proper that a street in West Columbia be named in his memory.  Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

 

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, request the Department of Transportation name the portion of 12th Street from its intersection with Knox Abbott Drive to its intersection with Jarvis Klapman Boulevard in the City of West Columbia in Lexington County "Gus Manos Memorial Street" and erect appropriate markers or signs at this location containing these words.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Department of Transportation.

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