Zesto’s of Chapin Closes After 18 Years of Service

Small town restaurant closing

Zesto’s of Chapin Closes After 18 Years of Service

In a significant culinary development for Lexington County residents, popular eatery Zesto’s of Chapin officially closed its doors on May 3 after 18 years of operation. The restaurant, known for its fried chicken, burgers and soft serve ice cream, was a local staple at 1250 Chapin Rd.

Independently Owned and Operated

Zesto’s of Chapin was an independent establishment and sported no affiliation with West Columbia’s Zesto, clarifying the unique ownership on their website. The closing sees owner Rhonda Wells bid a heartfelt farewell to her faithful clientele and the community she has served for almost two decades.

End of an Era

Wells took to Facebook to share the news, where she stated, “As the saying goes, this is bittersweet. But after 18 years of serving the town of Chapin, we have made the decision to close the doors permanently.” She extended a heartfelt appreciation to her loyal customers, stating, “We will genuinely miss some of the best customers imaginable and we treasure the relationships we have made.”

In a subsequent social media post, she expressed her desire for a change, stating, “It’s just time for me to have a normal life.”

No Immediate Plans for Property

Currently, there isn’t any news about potential buyers for the now-vacant building or space. Wells seemed reflective and emotional as she remembered the restaurant’s final day of operation and the overwhelming support from the community. She appreciated the high turnout for the final lunch and thanked her dependable staff for their unwavering dedication over the years.

Nostalgic Farewell

She penned an emotional thank-you note on her social media, “I have tears in my eyes as I think about Friday and the hundreds of people that came out to give us such an amazing sendoff. [The] people of Chapin are just the most loving people. I love being a part of this community so much.”

As Zesto’s of Chapin closes its chapter in the county’s culinary history, residents are left with fond memories of a restaurant that served the community with dedication and passion for nearly two decades.