In a vibrant celebration of culture and community, Yala Greek Ice Cream has opened its doors in Georgetown, marking the debut of the first Greek ice cream shop in the United States.
Operated by two prominent LGBTQ leaders, Chrys Kefalas and Salah Czapary, Yala aims to provide a unique twist on traditional ice cream, drawing inspiration from their Mediterranean roots.
The shop officially opened on July 20, coinciding with National Ice Cream Day, at 3143 N St., N.W.
Kefalas, who serves as the vice president of brand strategy at the National Association of Manufacturers, became inspired to create the shop while reminiscing about family summers spent on a Greek island.
Meanwhile, Czapary, who has an extensive background in law enforcement and cultural affairs, joined his friend to bring these cherished flavors to D.C.
Their journey began during the pandemic, when the two friends found solace and joy in making homemade ice cream, ultimately leading to the realization that they could turn this passion into a successful business venture.
“We started with a family recipe and a joke about what we’d do in retirement,” Czapary recounted, highlighting the serendipitous nature of their collaboration.
After extensive taste-testing of Kefalas’s grandfather’s recipes, they secured a location and focused on sourcing fresh ingredients both locally and from the Mediterranean.
The name “Yala” elegantly combines Greek and Arabic influences, referencing both the Greek word for milk and the Arabic term for “let’s go.”
This reflects the duo’s commitment to celebrating their cultural heritages and promoting inclusivity.
Defining Greek ice cream, Czapary describes it as a delightful balance between gelato and traditional American ice cream, noting that it is less heavy than gelato and not as sweet as American varieties.
Yala will feature 16 rotating flavors, ranging from classic options like mint chocolate chip and vanilla to unique selections inspired by Greek traditions, such as Greek yogurt with tart cherry and orange preserves.
Czapary expressed his enthusiasm for their pistachio flavor, claiming it to be the best, while also recommending “Mornings with Thea,” a flavor that combines Greek yogurt and orange preserve for a refreshing experience.
Beyond offering delectable ice cream, Yala aims to replicate the inviting atmosphere of traditional Greek ice cream shops, fostering community and inclusivity.
With values of hospitality, love, and community displayed prominently in the shop, the founders hope to create a welcoming space for all.
Czapary emphasized, “All flavors welcome,” reflecting their mission to embrace diversity and honor Kefalas’s grandfather’s legacy of hospitality.
As they embark on this exciting venture, Yala Greek Ice Cream stands as a testament to the power of friendship, cultural heritage, and the desire to build a welcoming community space.
In contrasting news, the D.C. Council grappled with the contentious Initiative 82, a ballot measure that aims to gradually phase out the tipped wage system for workers in the District.
In a surprising decision, an amendment proposed by Ward 4 Council member Janeese Lewis George resulted in the retention of the tipped wage, reflecting the ongoing debate surrounding wage equity and the rights of service workers.
Initiative 82, which emerged from a 2022 voter referendum where 73.94% of residents supported its passage, seeks to promote fair wages and combat wage theft by gradually increasing the tipped minimum wage over a period of five years.
Currently, tipped workers in D.C. earn $6 per hour plus tips, compared to minimum wage workers who earn $15.20 per hour.
While proponents argue that the initiative is essential for protecting workers’ rights, opponents, particularly from the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington, contend that it threatens the viability of restaurants in the District.
As the Council deliberates on the future of the initiative, it has drawn mixed reactions from both sides of the debate.
In a related development, Spark Social House, the District’s first nonalcoholic LGBTQ bar, is experimenting with its payment structure for tipped staff in alignment with Initiative 82.
Opened in March 2025, Spark has opted for an equitable pay model that diverges from traditional tipped wage practices.
Owner Nick Tsusaki shared that they originally began by compensating staff at $17.50 per hour but found it unsustainable.
By implementing a pay rate of $12 per hour for hourly employees and pooling tips over a two-week period, the staff can distribute earnings more equitably based on hours worked.
To further enhance fairness, the bar adopts a standard automatic gratuity of 20%, allowing for a more balanced distribution of tips among employees.
Tsusaki highlighted that Spark is dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming space, emphasizing that the value patrons receive goes beyond the drinks served.
His commitment to building community within the LGBTQ space serves as the core mission of Spark, ensuring it remains a versatile venue for various groups and events.
Meanwhile, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser expressed reservations regarding Initiative 82, proposing its full repeal in her 2026 budget, citing concerns over potential job losses and the financial impact on local restaurants.
Council Chair Phil Mendelson’s stance on preventing the initiative’s repeal suggests continued support for the wage structure established by Initiative 82, affirming the votes present in the council.
In a separate and concerning announcement, Children’s National Hospital revealed it will cease providing gender-transition medical care for juvenile patients starting August 30, a decision influenced by escalating legal and regulatory risks.
The acclaimed pediatric hospital’s statement noted that mental health and support services for LGBTQ patients would still be accessible.
As the hospital outlines its commitment to current patients, parents and caretakers are left navigating the implications of this significant policy shift.
Children’s National’s decision joins a broader trend of medical facilities across the country reevaluating or discontinuing gender-affirming care amid changes in national legislation and executive orders under the previous administration.
The hospital’s spokesperson declined to confirm whether they faced scrutiny from the Justice Department regarding the discontinuation of such care, highlighting the ongoing scrutiny of medical professionals providing services to transgender youth.
Community advocates and organizations like PFLAG are mobilizing to support families affected by these changes, offering resources and guidance to ensure continued access to essential services.
D.C. Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb announced a settlement with Gilead Sciences after allegations surfaced regarding illegal kickback practices to promote the company’s HIV medication.
The settlement requires Gilead to pay $316,413 to the District as part of a larger agreement that includes over $202 million to 46 states, addressing kickback schemes that allegedly incentivized doctors to prescribe Gilead’s drugs.
Schwalb characterized Gilead’s actions as cheating patients and taxpayers, emphasizing the need for accountability in healthcare practices.
As Gilead navigates scrutiny over its past actions, the company has also made strides in HIV treatment advancements, recently receiving FDA approval for a new medication promising significant benefits for HIV prevention.
With D.C. balancing cultural celebrations, labor disputes, healthcare accessibility, and issues of public health integrity, the community remains hopeful for progress in fostering inclusivity and ensuring the well-being of all its residents.
image source from：washingtonblade
