Elephant Bar Restaurant

Elephant Bar Restaurant began in 1980 in Lubbock, Texas, and grew to national prominence as a casual dining destination known for its globally inspired menu and distinctive safari-themed décor. The restaurant’s blend of Pan-Asian and American flavors, paired with a lively bar scene, helped it stand out and fueled rapid expansion throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. At its peak, Elephant Bar operated more than 40 locations, primarily in California, Nevada, and Arizona, and became a familiar anchor in suburban retail centers and lifestyle developments.

The brand’s trajectory shifted in the mid-2010s as it faced increased competition and changing consumer habits. In 2014, the original parent company filed for bankruptcy, leading to a wave of closures and a restructuring of its assets. Gen3 Hospitality acquired the remaining locations in 2016, aiming to refresh the concept with menu updates and targeted renovations. Despite these efforts, the chain continued to contract, and by 2019, most locations had closed.

As of November 2025, Elephant Bar Restaurant operates a single location in Hayward, California. The company is not pursuing new development or expansion, instead focusing on maintaining its legacy outpost. This Hayward restaurant continues to offer the brand’s signature décor and menu, serving a loyal local following and preserving the concept’s heritage.

For landlords, brokers, and developers, Elephant Bar’s story illustrates the evolution of experiential dining formats and the realities of scaling a midscale restaurant chain. The brand’s history of growth, contraction, and adaptation offers perspective on suburban retail dynamics and the operational strategies that shape long-term viability. All real estate inquiries are now managed through Gen3 Hospitality, the parent company.