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Gecko’s has moved into former Harry’s Sports Bar spot after vacating its original Landings location
Gecko’s At The Landings on South Tamiami Trail, the first chapter of an ongoing success story by local restaurateurs Mike Quillen and Mike Gowan, opened in 1992.
Gecko’s flagship grill and pub, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, outgrew that space and after closing at the end of August, has relocated down the road to the former Harry’s Sports Bar spot at 6606 S. Tamiami Trail.
Dubbed “Gecko’s Grill & Pub At Stickney Point & 41,” the casual dining destination recently opened with the same extensive lineup of tasty pub grub, fresh wines on tap and full bar. The family-friendly setting is 8,500 square feet, and a patio, filled with a multitude of televisions showing the day’s biggest sporting events.
“I am grateful that over the past 25 years the original Gecko’s has been a place where our guests can come to share love and laughter with friends and family,” Gowan said in a statement. “We had outgrown that footprint. We moved to the Stickney Point location with the intent of extending our hospitality quotient and creating a beautiful setting to showcase the contemporary sports bar.”
While Irma delayed an early September opening, Gowan noted even though the hurricane caused statewide evacuations and power outages it didn’t stop his staff from keeping their eyes on the horizon.
“I am so proud of this team,” Gowan said. “They bore the brunt of numerous hold-ups due to the storm. They showed incredible dedication and loyalty and I couldn’t be more grateful to them.”
Gecko’s owners note they have created 60 new hospitality jobs, bringing the combined Gecko’s Hospitality Group workforce to more 600.
In addition to the six Gecko’s Grill & Pubs in Sarasota-Manatee, GHG owns and operates S’macks Burgers & Shakes, Red Barn Bar, Dockside Waterfront Grill in Venice and Dry Dock Waterfront Grill on Longboat Key.
Gecko’s Grill & Pub At Stickney Point & 41 is at 6606 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 941-248-2020, https://geckosgrill.com/