Jack Penrod, owner and chairman of Nikki Beach Hospitality Group, died on Feb. 3 after a battle with cancer.
Born on June 25, 1939, to Ruth and Chester Penrod in Columbus, Ohio, Penrod was one of five siblings. Going from line cook to owning one of the largest McDonald’s franchises, Penrod was the owner of several bars and restaurants across several Florida cities—Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Daytona. In 1988, he launched Penrod's Beach Club on South Beach in Miami. The State of Florida, Miami-Dade County, and the City of Miami Beach officially named April 17, 2012, "Jack Penrod Day" to honor his contributions to the community.
In 1997, Penrod’s daughter, Nicole, died 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. Nikki Beach has since grown into a global lifestyle and hospitality brand. In 2023, Penrod lost his grandson, Max, followed by his second daughter, Tracey, at age 55. He released his autobiography, One Grand Adventure: Becoming Rich in Business, Family and Life, released in 2023.
“I shared an extraordinary life with Jack. 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,” Jack’s wife and Nikki Beach CEO Lucia Penrod, said in a statement. “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 co-founded the company alongside Jack, assumed full responsibility as CEO.
Jack Penrod is survived by his wife of 30 years, Lucia, and their children, Jake and Isabella, as well as his children Michele and Michael from his first marriage to Annette Yarborough. He leaves behind grandchildren: Caitlin Shearsmith, Zachary Payne, Cassidy Payne Firt, Austin Higney and Skylar Penrod, along with great-grandchildren Sienna, Juliette and Henley Shearsmith and Arlen Payne. He is also survived by his sisters, Carol Ann Penrod-Kramer and Melodie Cunningham.
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 AP@nikkibeach.com.