PHOTO BY HUCK BEARD

On one of the hottest days of the summer, folks gathered at the corner of West Ohio Street and Brighton Road to dedicate a blistering stretch of asphalt to Gus & Yia Yia’s Ice Ball Cart.

Gus & Yiayia Way is an honorary street named for the institution that’s been selling cool treats on the spot in Allegheny Commons Park, Pittsburgh’s oldest, since 1934. There’s a motto printed on the cart that reads “On the North Side since your dad was a lad!” but it’s now serving a fifth generation of Pittsburghers.

PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

“Today is very emotional for our family. We are thrilled that the city of Pittsburgh has decided to do this in honor of my mom and dad,” said Christina Avlon, whose parents, Gus and Stella Kalaris, ran the business for decades. “In Greek, we have a saying, ‘May the memory be eternal.’ And this truly will make his memory and my mother’s memory eternal.”

When his father died in 1951, a teenage Gus Kalaris took the reins and became a fixture in the neighborhood until his death last June at the age of 92. Stella, or YiaYia, which means “grandmother” in Greek, passed away in 2016. A memorial scholarship fund was set up through the North Side Leadership Conference.

In addition to selling flavored treats, popcorn and peanuts, Gus dispensed free advice; many locals credit him with helping them sort out problems big and small.

“Like a true North Sider, Gus wasn’t just the ‘Ice Ball Man,’” said Elizabeth Barbush, president of the Allegheny West Civic Council. “He made every visitor feel like family. That bright, orange cart became a symbol of summer in our neighborhood, but Gus himself was the heart behind it all.”

PHOTO COURTESY CARNEGIE SCIENCE CENTER

In 2012, Pittsburgh City Council honored Kalaris by declaring April 25 Gus and Yia Yia Day in Pittsburgh. In 2021, the Carnegie Science Center added a miniature version of the stand to its Miniature Railroad & Village exhibit.

The 2025 season — the first one without Gus at the helm — started in April with longtime manager Mike Spanos carrying on the legacy that, despite its namesake product, brings warmth and love to the community.

“This cart,” he said, “is about smiles and happiness.”

Gus & Yia Yia’s operates Thursday-Monday from 11:30 to 6 p.m.