Jack Penrod, Founding Visionary of Nikki Beach Hospitality Group, Passes Away at 85
Penrod's Legacy Lives On Through Nikki Beach, a Brand He Established to Celebrate Life and Community.
Jack Penrod, the owner and president of Nikki Beach Hospitality Group, a global luxury brand specializing in hospitality and lifestyle, passed away on February 3, 2025, after a long battle with cancer.
Born on June 25, 1939, in Columbus, Ohio, Penrod was one of five children in his family.
He rose from humble beginnings to become a prominent figure in entrepreneurship, building an empire through his visionary instincts and innate marketing talent.
His career trajectory included roles as a chef and an owner of one of the largest McDonald’s franchises.
Subsequently, he found significant success founding bars and restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Daytona.
In 1988, he opened Penrod’s Beach Club in South Beach, where he played a pivotal role in transforming the area into a vibrant and sought-after destination.
His contributions to Miami Beach were recognized in 2012 when the city proclaimed April 17 as "Jack Penrod Day."
In 1997, a personal tragedy struck with the death of his daughter Nicole in a car accident.
In her memory, he established Nikki Beach in 1998 on the site of the former Penrod’s Beach Club.
Driven by the philosophy of "Celebrate Life," the brand evolved into a global reference in hospitality and lifestyle, blending music, gastronomy, and the art of living.
Jack Penrod experienced an extraordinary life, marked by unforgettable adventures and painful challenges, including the loss of his grandson Max in 2023 and his daughter Tracey at the age of 55. Recognized as a pioneer and adventurer, he continually sought to expand boundaries, whether as a diver, pilot, or business visionary.
His inspiring journey was documented in his autobiography, "One Grand Adventure: Becoming Rich in Business, Family and Life," published in May 2023.
In tribute, Lucia Penrod, his wife and CEO of Nikki Beach, stated: "I shared an extraordinary life with Jack.
He embodied everything one could dream of: a loving husband, a dedicated father, and a visionary entrepreneur.
Jack was humble, kind, and inspiring.
He touched countless lives, and we will strive to continue his legacy."
Since 2022, Lucia has taken on full responsibility for the group, supported by an international team based in Miami, Barcelona, Dubai, and France.
The Nikki Beach Hospitality Group aims to honor Jack's vision and create unique experiences worldwide.
Jack Penrod is survived by his wife Lucia, their children Jake and Isabella, as well as Michèle and Michael from his first marriage.
He was also a loving grandfather to Caitlin Shearsmith, Zachary Payne, Cassidy Payne Firt, Austin Higney, and Skylar Penrod, and a great-grandfather to Sienna, Juliette, Henley Shearsmith, and Arlen Payne.
His sisters, Carol Ann Penrod-Kramer and Melodie Cunningham, also survive him.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to NIKKI CARES, the charity founded by Jack to support causes dear to him.
Donations can be made via ZELLE to the email address AP@NIKKIBEACH.COM.
Born on June 25, 1939, in Columbus, Ohio, Penrod was one of five children in his family.
He rose from humble beginnings to become a prominent figure in entrepreneurship, building an empire through his visionary instincts and innate marketing talent.
His career trajectory included roles as a chef and an owner of one of the largest McDonald’s franchises.
Subsequently, he found significant success founding bars and restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Daytona.
In 1988, he opened Penrod’s Beach Club in South Beach, where he played a pivotal role in transforming the area into a vibrant and sought-after destination.
His contributions to Miami Beach were recognized in 2012 when the city proclaimed April 17 as "Jack Penrod Day."
In 1997, a personal tragedy struck with the death of his daughter Nicole in a car accident.
In her memory, he established Nikki Beach in 1998 on the site of the former Penrod’s Beach Club.
Driven by the philosophy of "Celebrate Life," the brand evolved into a global reference in hospitality and lifestyle, blending music, gastronomy, and the art of living.
Jack Penrod experienced an extraordinary life, marked by unforgettable adventures and painful challenges, including the loss of his grandson Max in 2023 and his daughter Tracey at the age of 55. Recognized as a pioneer and adventurer, he continually sought to expand boundaries, whether as a diver, pilot, or business visionary.
His inspiring journey was documented in his autobiography, "One Grand Adventure: Becoming Rich in Business, Family and Life," published in May 2023.
In tribute, Lucia Penrod, his wife and CEO of Nikki Beach, stated: "I shared an extraordinary life with Jack.
He embodied everything one could dream of: a loving husband, a dedicated father, and a visionary entrepreneur.
Jack was humble, kind, and inspiring.
He touched countless lives, and we will strive to continue his legacy."
Since 2022, Lucia has taken on full responsibility for the group, supported by an international team based in Miami, Barcelona, Dubai, and France.
The Nikki Beach Hospitality Group aims to honor Jack's vision and create unique experiences worldwide.
Jack Penrod is survived by his wife Lucia, their children Jake and Isabella, as well as Michèle and Michael from his first marriage.
He was also a loving grandfather to Caitlin Shearsmith, Zachary Payne, Cassidy Payne Firt, Austin Higney, and Skylar Penrod, and a great-grandfather to Sienna, Juliette, Henley Shearsmith, and Arlen Payne.
His sisters, Carol Ann Penrod-Kramer and Melodie Cunningham, also survive him.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to NIKKI CARES, the charity founded by Jack to support causes dear to him.
Donations can be made via ZELLE to the email address AP@NIKKIBEACH.COM.
