Gus & Yiayia's Cart To Join Science Center 's Miniature Railroad

PITTSBURGH, PA — Gus & Yiayia's ice ball cart, a North Side staple for nearly a century, is opening another location of sorts. A model of the cart, stationed near West Park, will be added to the Carnegie Science Center's Miniature Railroad & Village exhibit this year.

If you're from Pittsburgh, you likely know the story of the bright orange kart. Gus Kalaris' father began the business in 1934 with Kalrais' mother, Pauline, the original "Yiayia" - the Greek term for grandmother. Gus Kalaris took over the cart's operation in the early 1950s.

After the original Yiayia died in 1992, Gus Kalaris' wife, Stella, inherited the title, which she held until her 2016 death.

Kalaris, who turns 90 in January, and his workers staff the handmade carts seven days a week, April through October. The menu hasn't changed in decades. Customers can choose from the shaved ice balls, popcorn or peanuts.

The Miniature Railroad & Village exhibit also has been around since the 1950s, originally set up annually at the Buhl Planetarium building that's now part of the nearby Children's Museum of Pittsburgh. This year's exhibit opens on Nov. 18.

Over the years, many replicas of Pittsburgh-area attractions have been added to the display. They include Kaufmann's Grand Depot, Fallingwater, Primanti Bros., Mister Rogers' Neighborhood house, Klavon's Pharmacy and more.

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