Yala Greek Ice Cream, the first authentic Greek ice cream shop in the United States, opens on July 20, National Ice Cream Day, in Georgetown, Washington, DC. Founded by Chrys Kefalas as a tribute to his immigrant grandfather, the shop blends both classic and unique Mediterranean flavors with a strong sense of community to create the most immersive experience for its customers.
Chrysovalantis Kefalas, a former candidate for the Maryland US Senate, was raised by a Greek family in Baltimore. His grandfather, George Minadakis, set the golden standard for Kefalas’ reference to hard and passionate work, introducing him to true Greek hospitality at a young age. Immigrating from Greece to the United States, Minadakis expressed an unrelenting desire to uphold his values of hospitality and pride in his work running restaurants. Kefalas said that his grandfather’s joy, warmth and embrace was his ultimate inspiration for the shop.
While Yala Greek sources their dairy products from a local family farm, their special ingredients, such as Greek yogurt and fruit preserves, are pipelined from the Mediterranean to the United States to give their customers a unique experience rooted in Greek tradition.
“That light, creamy, flavor-forward experience I didn’t think was matched in the United States,” said Kefalas in an interview with Kathimerini English Edition.
Kefalas notes that his team is intensely focused on building upon his grandfather’s work ethic to foster a strong community and make the best ice cream for their customers.
“When people come to our ice cream shop, I want them to feel that they belong, that they’re cared for, and that there is a spirit that is there that embraces them as they are and makes their days better by giving them the sweetest treat that we know how to make,” said Kefalas.
While valuing its Greek heritage, the brand is also well-rooted in Washington, DC, making ties to nonprofits and groups that improve their city. For their opening week, Yala Greek will host a number of events where their customers can sample ice cream while donating to some of these important groups. Yala Greek specifically works with DC Central Kitchen, N Street Village, The Boys and Girls Club, and the Greek America Foundation to inspire what their culture, traditions and business acumen will bring to the community going forward.
“We’re not just selling ice cream at Yala Greek Ice Cream; we’re welcoming the world in a very worldwide city to experience Greek culture one scoop at a time,” said Kefalas.
Daria Sitinas is an intern at Kathimerini English Edition and a student at the Chapin School in New York.
