For the first time in five decades, the Cocoa Beach Pier is under new ownership.
News 13 has learned Jim Gissy and David Siegel, both of Westgate Resorts in Orlando, are the new owners of the iconic Brevard County landmark.
Both the new owners and the Stottler family, who had owned the pier since it was built in 1962, confirmed the sale Wednesday morning to News 13.
"It's an iconic, historic landmark, and we're tickled pink to own it," said Gissy.
Lori Stottler, the pier's now former owner, said she was excited and looking forward to the future of the pier. Stottler called Gissy and Siegel "visionary."
Gissy said he and Siegel plan to fix up the pier with some "immediate cosmetic surgery." The pier will look the same, but will have new bathrooms, a fresh coat of paint, and perhaps also repainted stripes in the pier's parking lot.
Gissy said he wants the pier be cleaner and nicer, but still keep its same, classic look.
"We are honored to become the custodians of this magnificent landmark, and we are fortunate to have the resources necessary to ensure that the legacy of the pier is protected and renovated in a first-class manner," Siegel said.
New businesses are also in the works for the pier. Gissy confirmed plans to add an ice cream shop and perhaps a Starbucks and a Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs franchise.
As for the 150 employees who currently work at the pier, its gift shops and its five restaurants and bars, Gissy said they don't need to be worried, as everybody is ensured their job.
The new owners start with a built-in base; more than 1 million people visit the Cocoa Beach icon every year.
Official release
David Siegel, President and CEO of Westgate Resorts, and long-time business associate Jim Gissy have purchased the historic Cocoa Beach Pier. This Central Florida landmark was built by Richard H. Stottler, Jr. in 1962 and over the years has evolved into an iconic beach destination for families. The pier is currently home to five restaurants and bars, and numerous gift shops spanning 800 feet in length. David Siegel and Jim Gissy plan to renovate the pier and make it the premier family dining and entertainment destination for the Central Florida/Cocoa Beach community.
"A large part of my family grew up in the Cocoa Beach area and we have many wonderful memories of the time spent here," stated David Siegel, "We are honored to become the custodians of this magnificent landmark and we are fortunate to have the resources necessary to ensure that the legacy of the pier is protected and renovated in a first class manner".
According to his business associate, Jim Gissy, "I’m very excited to partner with David Siegel on this amazing project. He is one of the most successful businessmen in the state of Florida and it was my lucky day when I started working for him over 30 years ago. I’m thankful to have the opportunity to work with him on this iconic Florida landmark."
Members of the Siegel family have called Brevard County home since 1972. During this time, David Siegel founded one of Central Florida’s most popular indoor family attractions – the Mystery Fun House, where he and his family learned the hospitality industry. David grew this early business into Westgate Resorts, which is now the largest privately owned timeshare company in the world. David Siegel plans to utilize the pier as a means to bring his children into the family business and learn the art of entertaining families.
Mark Mrozinski, Vice President of Retail, Dining and Spa Operations of Westgate Resorts, will be managing the pier from the Orlando Corporate Offices. Brian Siegel, Vice President of Risk Management, a resident of Merritt Island, who also grew up in Cocoa Beach and graduated from Cocoa Beach High School in 1981 will also help oversee the pier.
Lori Stottler, the daughter of the late Rick Stottler and founder of the Cocoa Beach Pier, stated, "My father always had a vision to elevate the pier to become an icon of the local tourism industry. Our family chose David and Jim because of David’s longstanding family ties to the local community and the vision that David and Jim shared with our late father. They are the ideal team to carry on the legacy of the world famous Cocoa Beach Pier."
Dennis Conklin with Windermere Real Estate Company represented the seller and Michael Gissy, with Southern Sites, LLC represented the buyers in this transaction.