The Nicotra Group: Celebrating 50 Years of Growth on Staten Island

By Dom Provenzano, Staten Island Chamber of Commerce

This year, The Nicotra Group, one of Staten Island's most important and impactful institutions, celebrates its 50th anniversary. For half a century, Lois and Richard Nicotra have done more than build hotels, office spaces, and gathering places. From humble beginnings of growing a frozen yogurt franchise, two St. John's University Graduates have established roots that will grow for generations, supporting Staten Islanders, strengthening our business community, and sustaining the nonprofits that serve the borough.

"We just keep planting the flowers," said Richard Nicotra. "Metaphorically and literally. It's about making Staten Island a better place, for today and down the road."

Some of those flowers are rooted in soil, while others are built in steel and stone. From "Class A" hotels, offices, and event spaces, a diverse portfolio of restaurants and a growing collection of public art, and even a rooftop farm, The Nicotra Group's footprint has shaped the borough for five decades, helping redefine the way Staten Islanders work, live, and play.

Before The Nicotra Group's investment, Staten Island was often defined by what it lacked.
They set out to change that perception, not only by building structures, but by elevating expectations. "Before us, there was no class hotel on Staten Island or class A office space. People knew us because of the landfill," Richard Nicotra reflected.

Today, Staten Island's business and nonprofit communities have access to first rate meeting spaces and event venues. Visitors attend cabaret performances at Lorenzo's in a room designed with Broadway level acoustics, where an 1869 Steinway sits on stage. Nationally renowned performers appear before audiences who no longer need to cross a bridge or board a ferry for quality entertainment. "Guests will say, 'This is Staten Island?' They don't expect the quality or the experience they get here," Richard Nicotra said.

Despite an explosion in growth in the past five years, some stigmas remain. Alongside the Chamber of Commerce - where they have been members for nearly 50 years - the Nicotras fiercely push back against that narrative: "We don't consider this a forgotten borough. This is our hometown," said Lois Nicotra. "It is so important to be proud of where you're from, and it is our responsibility to work to make it better."

Their work extends beyond hospitality. Influenced by visionaries such as Walt Disney and developer Jim Rouse, the Nicotras embrace placemaking that fosters community, belonging, and love - for both the borough and one another. Drawing inspiration from Frank Lloye Wright - the couple's favorite architect - trees are preserved, and parking lots curve around existing roots. "If you're going to build something, don't build it on top of the mountain, become part of it," said Richard.

However, some of the most meaningful seeds bloom in quieter ways. They take the shape of scholarships for employees' children, Broadway trips for local students, weddings that bring cultures together, and first jobs that grow into lifelong careers. Across every initiative, the Nicotras' philosophy remains the same: build something that lasts, build it beautifully, and build it in a way that makes Staten Island proud.

Their influence can also be felt beyond their berm. Local projects, like the Lois & Richard Nicotra Heart Institute at Northwell Staten Island University Hospital, are approached with the same mindset: create environments that make people feel welcomed, embraced, and cared for. And, as their foundation grows, projects have become larger, ensuring these new spaces make do the most good, for years to come.

Fifty years in, The Nicotra Group and the communities it serves are blossoming, larger and more vibrant than ever. The buildings stand as visible proof of that success, but the memories created inside of them and the opportunities that they have provided will endure far longer.

"We know we're not going to be here forever. But when all else is gone, what remains? It's the memories," said Lois. "That's why we keep planting the flowers. This is a great place to live."

And those flowers, rooted in both soil and opportunity, will continue to bloom across Staten Island for generations to come.