Greek Ice Cream Comes to America: A Taste of Rhodes Opens in the Heart of Washington, D.C.

This summer, a beloved tradition from the Greek islands is crossing the Atlantic and landing in the historic heart of America’s capital. On July 20—National Ice Cream Day—Yala Greek Ice Cream will open its doors in Georgetown, Washington, D.C., becoming the first shop in the United States to serve truly authentic Greek ice cream.

For founder Chrys Kefalas, a proud Greek-American and well-known Washingtonian, Yala is more than a business—it’s a deeply personal tribute to his roots and to his grandfather (Papou), who immigrated to the U.S. from Greece in the 1960s and ran a restaurant in Baltimore for many years. It was there that Chrys learned about hospitality, resilience, and the enduring spirit of filoxenia.

“This is our legacy,” says Kefalas. “Just as Greek yogurt revolutionized American grocery stores, I believe Greek ice cream will redefine how people experience dessert. But above all, this is for my Papou—to make him proud and to share a piece of our family and culture with America.”

The name “Yala” comes from the Greek word for milk—an ode to the pure, fresh ingredients that define traditional Greek ice cream. The recipes at Yala have been passed down for generations on the island of Rhodes, and everything about the process—ingredients, technique, timing—reflects that heritage.

Made with farm-fresh milk and cream and sourced from both Greek producers and the best local farms, Yala’s ice cream is rich, creamy, and intensely flavorful. It’s the kind of ice cream you find on summer nights in a Greek island square—simple, bold, and unforgettable.

Yala’s menu will feature classic American flavors like cookies and cream and mint chip, but the heart of the shop is undeniably Greek. Highlights include:

• Pistachio Odyssey– A nod to Aegean pistachios
• Yia Mas– Creamy Greek yogurt with wild cherries
• Kataifi– Inspired by traditional baklava with crunchy phyllo
• Yia Yia’s Karamela– Burnt caramel finished with Greek sea salt
• Greek Blue, Summer– A swirl of blueberries, lemon curd, and Papou’s Promise vanilla
• American Dream– A transatlantic blend of Greek vanilla and Choco-Yala with rich chocolate crunch and ribbons of white chocolate

Customers can enjoy their scoops in waffle cones, pints, or cups with toppings like Greek honey, cherry and apricot spoon sweets, Mediterranean chocolate, and traditional Greek biscuit crumbs.

Located at 3143 N St NW in Georgetown, Yala Greek opens with a week-long celebration, welcoming D.C. locals, tourists, and Greek-Americans alike to experience a true taste of Greece. For Chrys Kefalas and his team, this is about more than just dessert—it’s about honoring the past, embracing heritage, and sharing the sweetness of Greek culture with a new generation.

From Rhodes to Washington, a new chapter of Greek tradition is being written—one delicious scoop at a time.

Follow the journey at yalagreekicecream.com or on Instagram and TikTok @yalagreekicecream.