Gulf Coast to see more Geckos

The recession has delivered an unforeseen boost to Mike Gowan and Mike Quillen, founders of the popular Gecko's Grill & Pubs in Sarasota and Manatee counties: They get approached almost daily about potential business opportunities.

Not surprisingly, given the sad state of the Gulf Coast commercial real estate market, many of those opportunities stem from landlords who seek to rent empty space. Gowan and Quillen have turned away most deals due to a combination of timing, location and cost issues.

But when the landlord of a property across the street from Sarasota Memorial Hospital came calling recently, Gowan's interest piqued. The spot at 1900 Hillview St., in what was a restaurant called Big Sugar, hit the market in January. Gowan and Quillen had a lease in place by the end of February.