Mike Quillen, a Sarasota-based restaurateur and President of Watershed Hospitality Concepts, Gecko’s Hospitality Group, and Cashiers Restaurant Holdings, has been named the 2025 Restaurateur of the Year by the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA). The award was presented at the annual Hospitality Stars of the Industry Gala held at Henderson Beach Resort in Destin. As part of this recognition, Quillen was also inducted into the FRLA Hall of Fame.
Carol Dover, President and CEO of FRLA, praised Quillen’s contributions to the hospitality sector. “Mike Quillen represents the very best of Florida’s hospitality industry – visionary leadership, deep community engagement, and an unwavering passion for excellence,” said Dover. “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 gala honors individuals from across Florida who have demonstrated outstanding service in hospitality. The Hall of Fame distinction is reserved for those whose leadership and dedication have had a significant influence on Florida’s hospitality industry.
Quillen expressed gratitude for receiving this recognition: “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 Mike Quillen. “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.”
Since opening Gecko’s Grill & Pub in Sarasota in 1992, Quillen has led multiple restaurant concepts across 15 locations in Florida and North Carolina. His operations employ more than 800 people with low management turnover rates. Under his leadership, his establishments have received several guest awards including five consecutive National Restaurant Association Florida Restaurant Neighbor Awards as well as national recognition in 2017.
Quillen also serves on several boards including FRLA itself as well as local organizations such as Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and Selby Gardens.
Founded in 1946, FRLA is a leading trade association representing over 10,000 members involved in various segments of Florida’s $112 billion hospitality industry.
