Jack Penrod, founder of Nikki Beach, dead at 85
Founder of the iconic Nikki Beach, owner of over a dozen resorts around the world and one of the godfathers of modern South Beach, Jack Penrod died Monday after battling cancer.
'I shared an extraordinary life with Jack. As a life partner, father, and businessman, he was everything one could ever dream of,' said Lucia Penrod, Jack's wife and Nikki Beach CEO, in a statement.
Penrod, 85, spent much of his life transforming Miami Beach through his ownership of bars and restaurants, helping change the city from a once sleepy retirement community into a resort destination.
Born in 1939 to Ruth and Chester Penrod in Columbus, Ohio, during the Great Depression, Penrod was one of five siblings. His ascent to resort tycoon started humbly, from line cook to owning one of the largest McDonald's franchises.
He went on to own several bars and restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Daytona Beach. In 1988, he launched Penrod's Beach Club on South Beach, which helped transition the area into a travel destination.
In 1997, Penrod's 18-year-old daughter, Nicole, died in a car crash. He founded Nikki Beach on the Penrod's Beach Club site in 1998 to honor her memory.
After 25 years in business, Miami-Dade County and Miami Beach named April 17, 2012, 'Jack Penrod Day' to honor his contributions to the community. Today, there are 11 Nikki Beach locations and five resorts around the world.
When he wasn't running his businesses, Penrod was a diver, pilot and constant explorer. He released an autobiography, titled 'One Grand Adventure: Becoming Rich in Business, Family and Life,' in 2023.
'Jack was humble, loving, intelligent, and kind — genuine to his core, with an adventurous spirit that was truly magnetic,' Lucia Penrod said. 'His children and I loved him deeply, and we will keep his spirit alive through years of cherished memories.'
In 2023, Penrod lost his grandson, Max, and then his second daughter, Tracey. He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Lucia Penrod, and their children, Jake and Isabella, as well as his children Michele and Michael from his first marriage to Annette Yarborough. He leaves behind several cherished grandchildren, including 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.
His family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Penrod's memory to Nikki Cares, the charity he launched to support causes close to his heart. Donations can be made via Zelle using the email address AP@nikkibeach.com.
'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,' Lucia Penrod said. 'We will continue to spread happiness and love for family and friends all over the world and he will live forever in our hearts.'
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