Gus and Yiayia's facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gus and Yiayia's |
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| 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 famous food cart in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. You can find it in Allegheny Commons Park. This special place started way back in 1934. It is super popular for its "ice balls," which are like a cool, sweet treat perfect for summer days.
The Story of Gus and Yiayia's
The stand first opened in 1917. Gus Kalaris's father bought the cart in 1934 for $175. He then gave it the name "Gus and Yiayia's." The word "Yiayia" means "grandmother" in Greek.
The first Yiayia was Gus's mother, Pauline. After she passed away in 1992, Gus's wife, Stella Kalaris, became the next Yiayia. Stella passed away in 2016. A special scholarship was created in her name. This "Gus and Yiayia's scholarship" helps local kids.
Gus and Yiayia's has been featured in the news! A TV show called North Side Story (1997) by Rick Sebak showed the stand. In 2012, the Pittsburgh City Council even made April 25 "Gus and Yiayia Day." Pittsburgh Magazine also said Gus was one of the city's best personalities.
What's on the Menu?
Gus and Yiayia's sells a few simple treats. You can get ice balls, peanuts, and popcorn. The ice balls are definitely the most popular item.
These ice balls are made from big blocks of ice. Long ago, the ice came from a local company. Now, the cart gets its ice blocks from Ohio.
