Jack Penrod, owner/chairman of luxury lifestyle company Nikki Beach Hospitality Group, passed away on Feb. 3, after a battle with cancer. He was 85.
Born on June 25, 1939, to Ruth and Chester Penrod in Columbus, OH, during the Great Depression, he was one of five siblings. From line cook to owning one of the largest McDonald’s franchises, he found further success as the owner of several bars and restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Daytona. In 1988, he launched Penrod’s Beach Club on South Beach, helping to transform the area from a quiet retirement community into a vibrant resort destination, laying the foundation for what South Beach is known for today.
In 1997, Penrod’s daughter, Nicole, passed away in a car accident at 18 years old. To honor her memory, he founded Nikki Beach in 1998 on the former Penrod’s Beach Club site. Built on a “Celebration of Life” philosophy, Nikki Beach has since grown into a global luxury lifestyle and hospitality brand.
“I shared an extraordinary life with Jack,” said Lucia Penrod, Jack’s wife and Nikki Beach CEO. “As a life partner, father and businessman, he was everything one could ever dream of. Jack was humble, loving, intelligent and kind—genuine to his core, with an adventurous spirit that was truly magnetic. His children and I loved him deeply, and we will keep his spirit alive through years of cherished memories. He meant so much to so many, leaving a lasting impact on everyone he met. He inspired people to reach for the stars and never give up. It was my deepest privilege to be his wife. We will continue to spread happiness and love for family and friends all over the world and he will live forever in our hearts.”
In 2022, Lucia, who cofounded the company alongside Jack, assumed full responsibility as CEO. Today, Nikki Beach Hospitality Group has a global leadership team based in Miami, Barcelona, Dubai and France, as well as staff worldwide.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Jack’s memory to Nikki Cares, the 501(c)3 charity he launched to support causes close to his heart. Donations can be made via Zelle using the email address [email protected].
