From a press release:
“This summer, Georgetown will become home to the country’s first authentic Greek ice cream shop with the opening of Yala Greek Ice Cream at 3143 N Street NW.
A Washingtonian with Greek Roots:
Founded by Chrys Kefalas, a DC branding executive and Washingtonian who has spent his life traveling back to Greece to visit family, Yala Greek Ice Cream is a love letter to Greece. It’s a heartfelt tribute to his grandfather, or “Papou,” who immigrated from Greece in the 1960s, ran a Baltimore restaurant for years and taught Chrys about hospitality and hard work. It is also a celebration of the Greek Island Chyrs loves and the unique and special frozen treat that, until now, you’ve only been able to get there.
New type of ice cream for the U.S.: Yala, meaning “milk” in Greek, brings 70 years of traditional Greek ice cream-making from the island of Rhodes to the U.S. That includes the recipe, ingredients, timing and technique to make it. The hand-crafted ice cream is made with farm-fresh milk and cream, and premium ingredients sourced from the Mediterranean, and both local and world-renowned producers. This gives it a uniquely creamy texture and bright, bold flavors that really pop.
American + Greek Flavors: Yala will offer American favorites like vanilla, cookies and cream, and mint chip, plus flavors that celebrate Chrys’ Greek legacy including:
Pistachio Odyssey
Yia Mas (Greek yogurt with wild cherries)
Kataifi (Baklava ice cream)
Yia Yia’s Karamela (burnt caramel with Greek sea salt)
Greek Blue, Summer – (Blueberries and tart lemon curd swirled together with silky Papou’s Promise/vanilla.)
American Dream – Papou’s Promise vanilla and Choco-Yala with chocolate cookie crunch, milk and dark chocolate chips, and white chocolate ribbon
Ice cream will be served in hand-piped scoops, waffle cones or pints. Available toppings include cherry preserves, orange preserves, apricot preserves, Mediterranean chocolate, Greek chocolate cookie crumbs and Greek honey.
“Just like Greek yogurt changed everything, Greek Ice Cream is going to set the new standard for ice cream. But, for us, it isn’t just about ice cream, it’s about making my Papou, my grandfather, proud. This is our legacy and we can’t wait to share it with Washington, DC and with America.” – Chrys Kefalas, Yala Greek Founder & Owner.
Store Opening: Yala Greek will open in Georgetown on July 20, 2025 – National Ice Cream Day. There will be a full week of celebration leading up to the opening of this significant addition to Georgetown’s culinary scene.”