Gecko Grill serves Mexican food in a friendly environment
BY ALISON STANTON
When Martina Moreno met her husband, Francisco, they spent time talking about their goals.
“I shared with him that one day I’d like to open my own restaurant,” she said.
Moreno has worked in the restaurant industry since she was 14, and her husband started when he was 17.
“We got married 20 years ago in 1994, and in 1999 we opened Gecko Grill,” she said.
Moreno said the menu at Gecko Grill combines their own dishes with the menu from Moreno’s Mexican Grill, owned by Francisco’s brother, Angel.
“We serve a wide variety of Mexican food, from street tacos to salmon enchiladas, shrimp and mango quesadillas, crab rellenos, and a Sonoran-style hot dog,” she said.
the tastes of our customers,” Moreno said.
One dish that is exceptionally popular with diners is the shrimp and mango quesadilla.
“People will come in just to get it, and our sweet corn tamales and salmon tacos are also popular. We use different fruits for different dishes,” she said.
The breakfast menu also receives rave reviews.
“About a year and a half ago we started offering breakfast, and it’s such a good feeling to have it be so successful,” Moreno said.
“Our early morning Mexican food is really helping us to stand out, and we offer everything from chorizo, machaca and chilaquiles to French toast and pancakes.”
Customers will also return for the welcoming and friendly atmosphere and service.
what they like to eat,” Moreno said. “We have so many familiar faces and regulars.”
Moreno has fond recollections of when she and Francisco relocated Gecko Grill to its current location about two years ago, and the many customers who were happy to follow them to their new place.
“The first day we opened we had a line out the door, and within 5 minutes every seat was taken and we had a waiting list,” she said. “It was just amazing.”
Moreno said getting to know her customers is her favorite part of her day.
DELICIOSO: Along with the food served in the restaurant, Gecko Grill does catering for special events and has an extensive catering menu. Submitted photo
“I just love to talk to them; I really love the people and getting to know all of them. To see them come in and how happy they are when they are here—we are very blessed.”
Gecko Grill is located at 4341 E. Baseline Rd., Suite 101, in Gilbert. For more information, call (480) 539-2988 or visit www.geckogrillaz.com.
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Gecko Grill’s expansive menu is one of
“I hear from customers all of the time
