09/15/2026
Reflecting on 50 Years: 25th Hilton-versary 🏨
As we celebrate 50 years of the Nicotra Group, we’re also marking 25 years of the Hilton Garden Inn Staten Island!
The road to opening the hotel wasn’t easy. Lois and Richard Nicotra faced countless challenges, from funding the land purchase and construction to overcoming doubts from banks and some community members who couldn’t see the need for a hotel on Staten Island. Through every setback and roadblock, the Nicotras pushed forward, continuing their investment to ensure the hotel maintains the highest standards. They spared no expense, importing a gazebo from Venice and sourcing the finest painters and craftsmen from around the world. 🎨✨
On September 15, 2001, the Hilton Garden Inn (Staten Island) opened its doors, welcoming overnight guests just days after one of the most uncertain and tragic times in our nation’s history. 🇺🇸
The hotel’s first wedding was scheduled to take place soon after, but given the circumstances, the Nicotras left the decision to move forward entirely in the hands of the couple and their families.
“We will be ready,” Mr. Nicotra said. “It’s up to them.”
The wedding couple chose to proceed with the celebration and in a time of grief and uncertainty for many, 200 guests came together to celebrate a new beginning, finding comfort, connection, and hope in each other. Moments like these have always been part of who we are. 🤝
A decade later, when Superstorm Sandy devastated Staten Island, the Nicotras made a bold decision. Every room at the Hilton Garden Inn went to neighbors who had lost their homes, even though the hotel was already booked for the TCS New York City Marathon. Nicotra's Ballroom became a shelter, with the American Red Cross sleeping on cots. Many of these neighbors stayed for months as they rebuilt their lives.
Today, the Hilton Garden Inn Staten Island is home to Above Staten Island, Nicotra's Ballroom, and Lorenzo's Restaurant, Bar & Cabaret, where from weddings, galas, proms, graduations, and fundraisers in our ballrooms to dinners at Lorenzo’s, our Guests make us part of their milestones. 🥂🎓💍🎉
Together, we’ve celebrated and grown as a community. Thank you for letting us be part of your stories and for making the last 25 years so meaningful.
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📷 Photos Included: The Nicotras sitting on the Hilton Garden Inn Sign; Hilton Garden Inn Under Construction; The Nicotras in front of the Hilton Garden Inn Staten Island 2001; Early Rendering of Hilton Garden Inn; NY Times Article 2001; The Nicotras watching Gazebo Installation; Hilton Garden Inn Guest Room; Hilton Garden Inn Exterior
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Celebrating 50 Years of The Nicotra Group. 💛
For 50 years, Lois and Richard Nicotra have been building more than businesses – they’ve been creating a legacy of love, innovation, and community right here on Staten Island. Starting with 🍦 Everything Yogurt, their ventures include:
🏨 Hilton Garden Inn (Staten Island)
🛏️ Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Staten Island
☕️ COMMONS café
🍕 Pienza Brick Oven Pizza Café
🍽️ Lorenzo's Restaurant, Bar & Cabaret
💛 The Lois & Richard Nicotra Foundation
🌱 Nicotra Grown Organic Rooftop Farm
🍾 Nicotra's Ballroom
✨ Above Staten Island
Each chapter in their story is a testament to their unwavering commitment to Staten Island and to each other.
As we celebrate 50 incredible years for The Nicotra Group, we’re reflecting on the milestones that have shaped who we are, while also looking ahead to the exciting journey still to come. Each month, we’ll share stories from our past and glimpses into the future we’re building together. More reasons to LOVE Staten Island!
Thank you for being part of this impactful journey. We LOVE sharing it with you!
