[citation needed] The cafe was established by Augustin 'Gus' Petersilka (20 July 1918 – 23 October 1994)[1] who emigrated to Australia from Austria in 1951 and arrived in Canberra in 1962.

Petersilka had difficulties with introducing this new style of dining to Canberra as it was against the regulations of the time for people to sit outside in a cafe or restaurant, and he had several well-publicised clashes with bureaucrats.

His constant representations on behalf of the people of the city produced the establishment of the outdoor Viennese cafe throughout Canberra.

May his energy, vision and laughter live on in this city.Petersilka was commemorated on 14 November 2002, by having a street[3] named after him in the Canberra district of Gungahlin.

[6] On 9 March 2012, Gus's was temporarily closed down by the ACT Health Directorate for serious food safety breaches and risks to the public.