06/15/2026
Reflecting on 50 Years: For Our Employees. For Staten Island. For The Future. ❤️
In 2008, Lois and Richard Nicotra founded The Lois & Richard Nicotra Foundation to create meaningful social impact across the borough they call home: Staten Island. 🏡
Since its establishment, the Nicotra Foundation has awarded more than $3.5MM in scholarships and grants to over 500 local nonprofits. It also supports the next generation through scholarships for the children and grandchildren of Nicotra Group employees pursuing higher education. 🎓
Each year, the Nicotra Foundation grows bigger and bolder 🌟. Initiatives like LOVEducation Grants, which provide $1,000 to every elementary school on Staten Island, and the Hamilton on Broadway Experience, which gave 500 middle school students tickets, T-shirts, and transportation, showcase the Nicotras’ commitment to education and community enrichment. 📚🎭 The Nicotra Foundation hopes to expand these programs even further, reaching more students and creating even greater impact.
At the most recent Foundation Ceremony, we proudly gifted $1.5MM in grants and scholarships, continuing our tradition of giving back to the borough we love.
What makes the Nicotra Foundation truly unique is how it’s fueled. The Nicotras’ two social enterprise eateries, COMMONS café ☕ and Pienza Brick Oven Pizza Café 🍕, are not just local favorites. 100% of Profits from these eateries are reinvested into the Community, helping the Nicotra Foundation support programs and organizations that make Staten Island stronger.
Fifty years in, the Nicotras have built more than businesses – they’ve built a legacy of giving and impact. Through The Lois & Richard Nicotra Foundation, they continue to invest in the people, the causes, and the future of Staten Island. Together, we are community builders. We LOVE Staten Island. ❤️
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📷 Photos Included: The Lois & Richard Nicotra Foundation Awards Ceremony Spring 2026 “We LOVE Staten Island”; NF Ceremony 2026 Article; NF Ceremony 2016 Article; The Nicotras at Pienza Brick Oven Pizza Café; NF Ceremony in front of COMMONS café 2019; Hamilton Broadway T-Shirts at The Young Women’s Leadership School; LOVE Sign and Books; Hamilton Broadway Announcement at NF Ceremony Fall 2025; NF Ceremony 2025; NF Logo
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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!