Gecko's cooks up new concept

SARASOTA — The local firm behind Gecko's Grill & Pubs is launching a new restaurant concept — with a hint of old Sarasota in the mix.

The new restaurant is S'macks Burgers & Shakes, a quick-casual eatery. Executives with Gecko's Hospitality Group, the owners, say S'macks will incorporate two restaurant industry trends: The use of locally grown products and produce, and a higher-end version of fast casual food. The restaurant will provide counter service.

“The Gecko's are doing extremely well,” Gecko's Hospitality Group co-owner Mike Quillen tells the Business Observer in an interview today. “But we wanted to diversify and do something different and fun.”