Nick Nicora, the visionary behind FairFirst, has been a trailblazer in the venue management and concessions industry for over three decades. His journey to founding FairFirst is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and deep understanding of the fair and entertainment venue landscape.
The FanFare Era
In 1988, Nick embarked on an ambitious venture by establishing FanFare Enterprises. This company quickly became a powerhouse in family entertainment venues, with a particular focus on fairgrounds. Under Nick’s leadership, FanFare secured several long-term master concessions contracts at prestigious events including:
- Orange County Fair
- Los Angeles County Fair
- Alameda County Fair
- California State Fair
These successes propelled FanFare to become the largest fair food and beverage operator in the state of California. The company’s reach extended beyond fairs, as it also operated food and beverage concessions at UC Berkeley and Sears Point International Raceway.
Leadership and Growth
As President and Co-Founder of FanFare, Nick was the driving force behind the company’s rapid expansion and success. He recalls, “I was responsible for new business development, client relations, and the operations of all FanFare’s venues throughout California and Nevada.”
Nick’s innovative approach and commitment to excellence helped FanFare dominate the market until 2001 when it merged with Ovations. This merger resulted in the formation of what is now known as OVG, further cementing Nick’s legacy in the industry.
The Birth of Fair First
Drawing from his wealth of experience and industry insights, Nick founded FairFirst to address the evolving needs of county fairs and large venues. His vision was to create a company that would bring cutting-edge food service management techniques, sustainable practices, and a deep understanding of fair operations to venues across the country.
Nick’s philosophy is simple: “Fairs are more than just events; they’re cultural institutions that bring communities together. At FairFirst, we’re committed to preserving the magic of these gatherings while modernizing their operations for the 21st century.”
A Continuing Legacy
Today, Nick’s expertise continues to shape the fair and food service management landscape through FairFirst. His decades of experience inform every aspect of the company’s operations, ensuring that clients benefit from time-tested strategies and innovative solutions.
Nick Nicora’s journey from founding FanFare to leading FairFirst is a story of innovation, growth, and an unwavering commitment to excellence in food service management. Under his guidance, FairFirst is poised to redefine the standards of fair and large food service operations for years to come.