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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.
Read more Dairy bar near Columbia plans to close, then reopen with a ‘brand new concept’
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!”
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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.
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