Behind the Brand

Jack and Lucia Penrod built a hospitality legacy that transformed the industry and continues to set the standard for luxury lifestyle brands. Starting from modest beginnings, Jack rose from a McDonald’s line cook to one of the largest franchise owners in the company, leveraging his success and marketing prowess to open multiple bars and restaurants in South Florida. In 1984, Lucia, who had recently moved from Nicaragua to Miami, joined Jack’s team to manage the exclusive Jockey Club of Miami. She soon became Project Manager and then PR Director for the launch of Penrod’s at 1 Ocean Drive. The couple married in 1995 and continued to collaborate on innovative ventures.

When Jack’s 18-year-old daughter, Nicole, was tragically killed in a car accident, the couple chose to honor and celebrate her life by transforming the pool area at Penrod’s into a beautiful butterfly garden named Cafe Nikki in her honor. Built on the philosophy of ‘Celebrating Life,’ the property combined music, dining, entertainment, fashion, film, and art among all-white décor and international cuisine, all designed with Nicole in mind. The garden drew an affluent new clientele to the property, and at the request of many guests, Jack expanded the property onto the beach. In 1998, the first Nikki Beach was born, and today, as the brand has expanded globally, the design and ambiance of each Nikki Beach location is still inspired by Nicole’s vivacious spirit.

As Nikki Beach continues to grow, Lucia remains at the helm as Cofounder, Owner & CEO, carrying forward the vision she and Jack built together. With support from a global team that has become a family, she ensures that the ‘Celebration of Life’ philosophy continues to resonate with loyal clients and new guests every year.