STORE AROUND THE CORNER: The Red Elephant Pizza and Grill

The aroma of freshly baked pizza and other delicacies wafts through the air outside The Red Elephant Pizza and Grill, one of the East County’s newest dining establishments.

The restaurant, located in the University Park Center shopping plaza, features a wide assortment of specialty pizzas, salads, sandwiches and burgers and fire-grilled entrees such as Mahi Mahi and sirloin steak, among others.

Pizzas and other items are made from scratch daily.

Red Elephant’s offerings also include a game room filled with arcade-style games for children and families to enjoy, as well as a bar for adult patrons.

“It’s a little mix of everything,” Red Elephant’s General Manager Michael Benefield said. “We want to be a place where families can come relax, but at the same time have fresh food and a nice décor so everyone can celebrate, whether an anniversary, little league or just a night out.”

BASICS
The Red Elephant Pizza and Grill
Location: 5231 University Parkway, Sarasota
Phone: 351-4646
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Sundays through Thursdays; and 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Fridays through Saturdays. The restaurant will only be open until 3 p.m., April 4 for Easter.
Line of business: Specialty pizza restaurant
Employees: 70
Year Established: Opened Jan. 18, 2010
What makes the business unique: “It offers a little diversity for everyone. You don’t have to be in a specific mood to come to The Red Elephant.”