Gus and Yiayia's facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gus and Yiayia's |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Restaurant information | |
| Slogan | Since your dad was a lad. |
| Established | 1934 |
| Chef | Gus Kalaris |
| Dress code | Come as you are |
| Street address | 638 West Ohio St. |
| City | Pittsburgh |
| County | Allegheny County |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| Postal/ZIP code | 15212 |
| Coordinates | 40°27′08″N 80°00′44″W / 40.4520947°N 80.0122423°W |
Gus and Yiayia's is a food cart located in Allegheny Commons Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Established in 1934, it is best known for serving ice balls for kids during summer.
History
The stand was originally setup in 1917. Gus Kalaris' father bought the cart in 1934 for $175 ($3,295.30 adjusted for inflation in 2019) and renamed it. The name comes from the Greek term "Yiayia" meaning grandmother. The original Yiayia was his mother Pauline. In 1992 she died and Gus' wife Stella Kalaris became the next Yiayia. Stella died on October 26, 2016. The Gus and Yiayia's scholarship was founded in her name to benefit local kids they served.
The restaurant was featured in Rick Sebak's North Side Story (1997) documentary on WQED (TV). Pittsburgh City Council proclaimed April 25 "Gus and Yiayia Day." in 2012. Pittsburgh Magazine named Gus one of Pittsburgh's best personalities.
Menu
The stand sells ice balls, peanuts, and popcorn. The ice balls are the main attraction. Originally, the ice blocks came from a manufacturer on Brighton Road, but now the cart imports them in from Ohio.
