Mike Gowan & Mike Quillen

The Gecko's Story
GECKO'S GRILL & PUB IS LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED AND CONTINUES TO EXPAND
Founded in 1992 by Mike Gowan and Mike Quillen

Mike Gowan was born and raised in Sarasota; Mike Quillen has lived in the area since he was a young boy. Their ties to the community run deep, as does their commitment to making Gecko’s the most family friendly pubs in the area.

Read about them in Gulf Coast Business Review.
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Meet the Owners: Mike & Mike

Mike Gowan was born at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, graduated from Sarasota High School and attended Manatee Community College on a tennis scholarship before transferring to the University of Florida. After college, he returned to work and live in Sarasota. He has been married 19 years to Tonya Gowan and they have an 9 year old son.

Mike Quillen moved here to Sarasota as a young boy, graduated from Riverview High School, and also attended Manatee Community College on a tennis scholarship before transferring to New College. He has been married to Mary Quillen for 13 years and they have two daughters, ages 17 and 10.

The two Mikes have been friends since 1970. They have been business partners since 1992.

Their motto: "You can't buy friendship but you can find it at Gecko's....eat, drink & be merry!"

They pride themselves on serving fresh, made-to-order food in a fun and comfortable environment with great prices and greater customer service.

Family and community-oriented...They have a passion for what they do.

“The very foundation of Gecko’s was built on friendship, and that remains a central tenet of how we run our business … enjoying longtime friends and making new ones every day,” they said.

Welcome operating partner Brian Jantzen

In 2002, as Gecko's Grill & Pub expanded to 3 locations Mike and Mike teamed up with another Sarasota native, Brian Jantzen. Brian's hospitality background and entrepreneurial spirit coupled with his commitment to excellence was a perfect fit to the all ready strong Gecko's success. In 2006 with Brian's help Mike and Mike expanded again to a 4th Gecko's location.

Brian Jantzen is responsible for overseeing daily operations at "Twelve Oaks Plaza"; "Braden River Plaza" and "Palmer Crossings" locations. His background, organizational skills, industry knowledge and people skills have added to the continued Gecko's Grill & Pubs local success. Brian graduated from Florida State with a business degree in hospitality and has worked for leading restaurant chains and a national liquor company before joining the Gecko's team. Brian has been married to Athena for 11 years and they have a 5 year old son.

Committed To Community

Gecko's Grill & Pubs contribute thousands of dollars each year in monetary donations and food contributions to not-for-profit organizations, fundraisers and special community events. Some of their recent contributions supported hurricane relief efforts, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Coastal Recovery Center's mental health counseling programs, All Faiths Food Bank, Forty Carrots Family Center, local schools and libraries, the Police Athletic League, Habitat for Humanity, Junior League-sponsored events, Sarasota Community Foundation, YMCA, Mayor’s Feed the Hungry Campaign, and more!

Honors and/or Awards

Family-owned and operated since 1992, Geckos has been consistently awarded and honored with “Best of The Best” awards, including Best Happy Hour, Best Sports Bar, Best Burger, Best Take Away, Coldest Beer, Best Lunch, Taste of Sarasota People’s Choice Awards, Best Entrée, Best Appetizers … and more!

Good Luck at Gecko's – A gecko is a good luck lizard. We’d like to thank longtime friend and local artist Michele Chilson Schibler for creating Gecko’s name & logo. Michele is available at weaselin@comcast.net.