On Tuesday evening, the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) honored its 2025 Hospitality Stars of the Industry Hall of Fame Winners during an evening gala at the Henderson Beach Resort. Among those recognized were Mike Quillen, President of Watershed Hospitality Concepts and Gecko’s Hospitality Group in Sarasota and Bradenton and Cashiers Restaurant Holdings in North Carolina. Michael Quillen grew up Sarasota.  He is President of three independent restaurant groups operating 15 locations across Florida and North Carolina, including Gecko’s Grill & Pub, Dry Dock Waterfront Grill, Tripletail Seafood & Spirits, Cask & Ale, Pie on Main, Blasé Martini Bar/Pi Pizza, Lefty's Oyster & Seafood Bar, Red Barn Bar and Micas Mountain Kitchen. Since opening the flagship Gecko’s Grill & Pub in Sarasota in 1992, Quillen and his partners have cultivated award-winning concepts with over 800 employees, low management turnover, and a hands-on leadership style that emphasizes hospitality, community engagement, and promoting from within. 

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