Sardo's Pizza Goes Gluten Free

Sardo's Pizza & Pasta owner Santo Sardo is known both for his prickly yet good natured demeanor and his authentic New York-style pizza.

But beneath his gruff personality and Big Apple flavored wisecracks, Sardo cares greatly about two things — his food and his customers.

That's the reason behind the Largo restaurant adding gluten-free pizza to the menu, a decision Sardo says is based on how he can best serve all of his diners.

"A few months ago I went to a food show, and a lot of people were talking about gluten free menus," the Brooklyn native said.

"I remembered hearing a story about how someone was misdiagnosed with a form of cancer when it was really a gluten allergy," he added. "I started doing research and I learned it was a lot more serious than I ever knew."

Soon after, Sardo added a gluten free pie to his menu, and he says the pizza has been a huge success ever since.

"I'm selling 10-12 of the pizzas a day," he said. "It's been so successful I'm thinking of adding gluten-free pasta and wraps."

Sardo is quick to point out that he takes extra precaution to make sure there is no cross contamination between his regular and his gluten-free pies.

He uses separate prep areas, pans and utensils when preparing the different pizzas, and he tries to add flavorful sauces and toppings to compensate for the somewhat flavorless crust.

"I try to overcome the flavor in the dough with my ingredients," he said. 

The fact that the pizzas have been a hit is icing on the cake for the self described "pizza nut job".

For Sardo, his business is all about taking care of his customers.

"People look worried when they come in with gluten allergies and I'm like don't worry, I've got you covered," he said.

"I love what I do and I care so much about my customers that I want my food to be as perfect as it can be."

If You Go

Sardo's Pizza & Pasta

10839 Ulmerton Rd.

727-581-9200

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• Got Books? Get to Sardos Saturday

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