Mike Quillen, a Sarasota-based restaurateur, has been named the 2025 Restaurateur of the Year by the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA). He was also inducted into the FRLA Hall of Fame at the recent Hospitality Stars of the Industry Gala, which took place at Henderson Beach Resort in Destin.
Quillen oversees 15 restaurants and bars in Florida and North Carolina as President of Watershed Hospitality Concepts, Gecko’s Hospitality Group, and Cashiers Restaurant Holdings. His establishments include Gecko’s Grill & Pub, Dry Dock Waterfront Grill, Tripletail Seafood & Spirits, Cask & Ale, Pie on Main, Lefty’s Oyster & Seafood Bar, and Micas Mountain Kitchen. Since opening Gecko’s Grill & Pub in Sarasota in 1992, he has developed award-winning restaurant concepts employing over 800 people.
Carol Dover, President and CEO of FRLA said: “Mike Quillen represents the very best of Florida’s hospitality industry – visionary leadership, deep community engagement, and an unwavering passion for excellence. Mike’s legacy extends far beyond the success of his restaurants – it lives in the thousands of people he has mentored and the careers he has shaped. His dedication to training, empowering, and retaining great employees has set the standard for our entire industry, and his impact on Florida’s restaurant landscape has been extraordinary. We are proud to honor him as our 2025 Restaurateur of the Year and induct him into the FRLA Hall of Fame.”
The annual gala recognizes outstanding work among restaurant and lodging operators across Florida. The Hall of Fame distinction is reserved for those whose long-term service has significantly influenced Florida’s hospitality sector.
“I’m deeply honored to receive this award from the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, an organization that has played such a pivotal role in shaping the direction of my career and any success I’ve achieved along the way,” said Quillen upon receiving his award. “I share this recognition with the incredible team members that I’ve had the privilege to work alongside of over the years. Our shared dedication, passion to hospitality, and hard work have made this possible, and I’m grateful to share this award with them.”
Quillen is known for a hands-on management style focused on employee development and promoting from within. He has received several industry awards including multiple “Best Of” guest honors as well as both state-level and national recognition from industry associations.
In addition to leading three independent restaurant groups with low management turnover rates across their locations in two states, Quillen serves on various local boards such as FRLA itself as well as organizations like Visit Sarasota County.
The FRLA represents more than 10,000 members statewide including independent hotels/restaurants as well as large franchises and suppliers. The association works to support Florida’s $112 billion hospitality sector through advocacy efforts and education programs aimed at workforce development.
For further information about Mike Quillen or his business ventures readers can watch a video produced by FRLA about his induction into their Hall of Fame.
