Longtime Zesto co-owner to get honor in West Columbia

South Carolina General Assembly approves road naming after Gus Manos and other local figures

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

The South Carolina General Assembly has approved resolutions to name roads in West Columbia and Springdale after two local figures who died in 2025 - Gus Manos, the longtime co-owner of Zesto of West Columbia, and Pat G. Smith, the longest-serving mayor of Springdale. The state legislature also approved renaming a portion of Cedarcrest Drive in Lexington County to honor local veterans.

Why it matters

The road namings are a way for the state and local communities to honor the legacies of Manos and Smith, who were known for their decades of public service and contributions to their respective towns. It also highlights the state legislature's efforts to commemorate local leaders and veterans.

The details

The South Carolina General Assembly passed resolutions to name the stretch of 12th Street between Knox Abbott Drive and Jarvis Klapman Boulevard in West Columbia as 'Gus Manos Memorial Road' after the longtime Zesto co-owner. They also approved naming a portion of Platt Spring Road in Springdale as 'Mayor Pat G. Smith Memorial Road' to honor the town's longest-serving mayor. Additionally, the legislature requested the Department of Transportation to rename a section of Cedarcrest Drive in Lexington County to 'Dedicated in the Honor of the Veterans of Lexington County'.

  • Gus Manos, the Zesto co-owner, died on December 19, 2025.
  • Pat G. Smith, the Springdale mayor, also died in 2025 at the age of 74.

The players

Gus Manos

The longtime co-owner of Zesto of West Columbia who served on the Springdale Town Council for 42 years and was mayor pro tem. He received the Order of the Palmetto from former Governor Nikki Haley.

Pat G. Smith

The longest-serving mayor of Springdale for 29 years and a longtime director of the Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School. He received the Order of the Palmetto and the Richard M. Kuffel Award for Excellence in Education.

Micah Caskey

The South Carolina state representative from Lexington who proposed the resolutions to rename the roads after Manos and Smith.

Nikki Haley

The former governor of South Carolina who awarded Gus Manos the Order of the Palmetto.

Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School

A state military-style alternative school for teenagers where Pat G. Smith served as a longtime director.

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What’s next

The South Carolina Department of Transportation will be responsible for installing the new road signs honoring Gus Manos and Pat G. Smith in West Columbia and Springdale, respectively.

The takeaway

These road namings demonstrate how the South Carolina legislature is working to commemorate the legacies of local leaders and public servants who have made significant contributions to their communities over many decades of service.