Gus Kalaris, owner of the iconic Gus & Yia Yia's Ice Ball Stand in Pittsburgh's North Side neighborhood, passed away in June of 2024 but left behind a legacy that will last as long as Pittsburgh stands. We are proud to include him in our first nine of "Welcome To Yinzerville's" HOF. 

Gus Kalaris - Pittsburgh's North Side Ice Ball King

So who is gus Kalaris and why is a Pittsburgh icon? Well, long before Pittsburgh won it's first Super Bowl, there was gus and his ice balls on the North Side.

From April through October, the vibrant cart of Gus & Yia Yia's Ice Ball Stand, with its brightly colored umbrella and varnished paint, welcomed everyone on Pittsburgh's North Side. It became a cherished staple in Pittsburgh and across the greater 412. As the decades passed and Super Bowls were accumulated, so too were the memories and bonds created by Gus. 

Known for his warm smile and friendly demeanor, Gus was a Yinzer tried and true that created a beloved community spot where families and friends gathered to enjoy his famous icy treats and a box of popcorn too. His legacy goes beyond the delicious ice balls - it's about the countless memories and connections made at his stand over the years getting to know all of us Yinzers and us getting to know him. 

Sumer was not summer without Gus and Pittsburgh families and friends gathered around Gus & Yia Yia's Ice Ball Stand, enjoying the delicious ice balls on hot summer days, creating Pittsburgh memories that last a lifetime. Children would run around, sticky and smiling, while parents reminisced about their own childhood visits—and so the tradition has continued from then to now, where you could still find so-called "content creators" posting their ice ball selfies from his North Side stand. That my friend, is called legacy. 

The vibrant colors of the ice balls at Gus & Yia Yia's Ice Ball Stand, ranged from cherry red to electric blue, adding a festive feel to the North Side - perfect for swelting summer. The air was filled with laughter and the sweet scent of syrup, making it a cherished tradition for any Yinzer involved. You could also get a cheap box of popcorn from the iconic man as well. 

He wasn't just recognized  and cherished by the common Yinzer too; Pittsburgh's esteemed and rarefied all acknowledged the ice ball man's greatness.  

Gus Kalaris: Rewards For A Life Of Ice Balls and Snow Cones

Recognition for Gus's contributions to the community came from numerous accolades over the decades. In 2012, the City Council of Pittsburgh officially designated the day as "Gus & Yiayia Day," a testament to his enduring impact. 

In 2014, the Allegheny City Society honored him with the prestigious William Kimmel Award. Further acknowledgment of his lifetime of dedication came when he was presented with The Northside Leadership Conference Lifetime Achievement Award. Then, in 2021, his legacy was solidified with the honor of a miniature replica of the Ice ball Stand being permanently displayed at the Daniel G. And Carole L. Kamin Science Center Miniature Railroad Exhibit.

Gus's love for Pittsburgh, and especially the Northside, knew no bounds. He readily shared its stories and histories with everyone he met, infusing each tale with his passion and warmth. His presence at the Ice ball Stand wasn't just about serving refreshing treats; with Gus, it was about building a community, one ice ball at a time.

He fostered a sense of camaraderie and belonging, ensuring that every visitor felt like a part of the Northside family. His legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of all who had the privilege of knowing him and enjoying his iceballs.

In 2012, Pittsburgh City Council acknowledged Gus' significant contribution to the city by designating April 25 as Gus and Yia Yia Day. Stella Kalaris, Gus' wife and the "Yia Yia" of the business's moniker, passed away in 2016, and Gus established a fund through the Pittsburgh North Side Leadership Conference in her memory.

Gus Kalaris: The Ice Man of Pittsburgh's North Side

Gus created a legacy dealing ice. Well, ice balls that is. We will always remember this great Pittsburgh summer fixture who embodied the Pittsburgh soul. 

The passing of Gus Kalaris was indeed a somber moment for our Pittsburgh Yinzers and the the greater 412. No doubt, however, his spirit will linger on in the vibrant memories he helped create through his unique ice ball business and his unwavering dedication to the community.

Gus was more than just a businessman; he was a beloved figure who touched the lives of many Yinzers with his generosity and enthusiasm for local causes. It is in that spirit we proudly include him in our "Famous Yinzers" section of Guides N' That, which is shaping up to be our own HOF, honoring his legacy and the positive impact he made on our city. With that in mind, we are proud to call him the No. 2 inductee into our Welcome To Yinzerville HOF. Gus, we will miss you, but us Yinzers know that Myron Cope can now get a snow cone up there in heaven along with the other great Pittsburgher's that have passed on. We'll take solace in that.  

Do you have a Gus story to share? Pictures? Post them on this page and keep the legacy going strong.