S'macks Burgers & Shakes now open

If you lived in Sarasota during the 1940s and ’50s, you might remember The Smack, a beloved burger drive-in. S’macks is intended to have the reincarnated feel of the old-time restaurant, albeit with a new name and legacy all of its own. And, the new memories begin starting with opening day, Wednesday, Aug. 7.

And, true to form it’s a drive-in or take-out establishment that offers burgers (and portobello burgers for the veggie-eaters), hot dogs, fries and housemade frozen custard (including some named after S’macks' hometown: Siesta Key Lime custard and a Ringling Zinger). And, it even offers gluten-free buns.

The names behind the new establishment are no newbies to the Sarasota food industry: Gecko's Hospitality Group co-owners Mike Quillen and Mike Gowan are the owners, and manager of Gecko’s in the Landings Alex Floethe is the managing partner.

The restaurant was built sustainably with recycled products to meet the Florida Green Building Conference Commerical Green Building standards. And it offers locally grass-fed bison from Three Suns Ranch — that means no hormones or antibiotics. The restaurant is open from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily at 2407 Bee Ridge Road. Call 922-7673 for more information.

Related link: http://www.businessobserverfl.com/section/detail/geckos-cooks-up-new-concept/