Walk into Cafe Gecko Richardson on any given night, and you’ll likely see a few familiar faces at the bar, a local band setting up in the corner, and a steady hum of laughter from tables filled with wings, pizza, and cold beers. It’s a sports bar, sure – but calling it just a sports bar misses the mark. This is a neighborhood institution. A local hangout with personality. A place where newcomers are greeted like regulars and regulars are treated like family.
Gretchen Seidel, the owner of Cafe Gecko, didn’t want to create another generic chain. After years in the hospitality business managing other restaurants and bars, she wanted something with heart – something that felt like home. “The idea was to bring together good food, live music, and sports in a casual, unpretentious setting,” she says. “We wanted to build a place where the vibe was just as important as what’s on the menu.”…