Yala Greek Ice Cream is returning to its founder’s Baltimore roots at Costas Inn in Timonium. Founder Chrys Kefalas is bringing the Washington, D.C. brand to Costas Inn. His food and beverage life began there, as noted by Baltimore Chronicle
The original WMAR-2 report was published on September 3, 2026. Kefalas said the moment feels special because Costas Inn is where his restaurant story started.
A family restaurant story comes full circle
Costas Inn traces its Dundalk history to 1971. The family-owned restaurant later opened another location at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium in 2025. Its official history confirms the restaurant’s Baltimore roots.
The timing carries personal weight. Costas Triantafilos died shortly before the Timonium location opened. Kefalas also lost his father, Michael Panagiotis Kefalas, this summer.
“It’s just really special to bring it all home,” Kefalas told WMAR.
The ice cream homecoming now connects 2 family legacies through the same Baltimore hospitality tradition.
What Yala Greek Ice Cream is serving
Yala describes its product as Greek-style ice cream made with farm-fresh A2 milk and Mediterranean ingredients. Kefalas told WMAR that A2 dairy is intended to be easier to digest. The brand’s official flavor guide confirms its A2 dairy base and current flavors.
Among the featured flavors are:
- Mornings with Thea — Greek yogurt ice cream with orange preserves.
- Yia Mas — Greek yogurt ice cream with tart cherries.
- Pistachio Odyssey — ice cream made with imported Mediterranean pistachios.
The brand says Mornings with Thea is its top seller. Kefalas calls Yia Mas his personal favorite.
Why the Maryland State Fair stop matters
The fairground location gives Yala a direct Baltimore County audience outside its Georgetown base.
| Detail | What to know |
|---|---|
| Brand | Yala Greek Ice Cream |
| Founder | Chrys Kefalas |
| Baltimore venue | Costas Inn Timonium |
| Location | Maryland State Fairgrounds |
| Costas roots | Dundalk, since 1971 |
Costas Inn Timonium operates at 2200 York Road, inside the fairgrounds grandstand. The Maryland State Fair venue page lists the restaurant as a fairgrounds partner.
For Kefalas, however, this is more than another sales location. It is a return to the family restaurant culture that shaped his career.
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