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Dairy bar near Columbia plans to close, then reopen with a 'brand new concept'

Dairy bar near Columbia plans to close, then reopen with a ‘brand new concept'
Mel’s Dairy Bar is at 3239 Forest Drive in Forest Acres where Zesto used to be. Chris Trainor/[email protected]

The Midlands spot for burgers & ice cream has been located in a space that formerly was a Zesto. Now it plans to change concepts and menus.

A dairy bar known for burgers, chicken, ice cream and more says it will soon close, then later reopen with a new concept and menu.

Mel’s Dairy Bar, located at 3239 Forest Drive in Forest Acres near Columbia, made the announcement in a Tuesday Facebook post.

“Mel’s will be closing on August 2nd,” Mel’s Dairy Bar said in the Facebook post. “We will reopen in September with a brand new concept and menu. Thank you so much for your business and follow us for more updates. We are excited about what’s to come!”

Mel’s Dairy Bar opened at 3239 Forest Drive in June 2025. It is in the same location that had previously been home to a Zesto Drive-In for 75 years.

The Zesto on Forest Drive closed in December 2025. Mel’s debuted in the space about six months later and, for the most part, has had a very similar feel to the departed Zesto, including a menu that includes chicken, burgers, ice cream, milkshakes, French fries and more. It also retained the basic blue-and-white color scheme and counter and window service that Zesto previously had.

Read full story on The State Columbia, SC

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