Timeline

In 1936, Davre Davidson begins the Los Angeles company that will eventually become ARAMARK.
In 1939, Davre Davidson and his brother, Henry, become business partners through the formation of Davidson Brothers. The company flourishes under their joint management and eventually becomes the largest independent vending operator in the United States.

In 1940, William Fishman, believing there was a promising future in vending, purchases 200 candy and cigarette machines and enters into the vending industry.

In 1959, the Davidson brothers and William Fishman combine their companies to create ARA.

In 1960, ARA makes its debut as a public company. By the end of the year, ARA revenues top $37 million and the company operates in 19 states.
In 1967, ARA broadens its activity in Canada through an equity investment in Versafood Services, Ltd., Canada’s leading food service company at the time.
In 1968, ARA serves its first Olympics at the Summer Games in Mexico City. That same year, the company acquires District News and enters the magazine and book publishing business.
In 1969, ARA officially becomes ARA Services, to reflect its growing range of businesses.

In 1972, ARA Services begins operating in England.
In 1976, ARA Services enters the Japanese market through a joint venture with Mitsui & Co. Ltd. to form AIM Services. That same year, the company entered the work uniform rental and career apparel industry.
In 1979, ARA Services’ total employment surpasses 100,000.

In 1980, ARA Services acquires National Child Care Centers, Inc. and enters the childcare arena.
In 1983, Joseph Neubauer is elected CEO of ARA Services.
In 1984, ARA Services management owns 40 percent of the company after deflecting a hostile takeover through a management buyout.
In 1989, ARA Services employs 125,000 people and has total revenues of approximately $4.2 billion.

In 1990, ARA Services moves into Hungary and the Czech Republic.
In 1992, ARA Services acquires WearGuard, a leading direct marketer of work clothes and casual wear.
In 1993, ARA Services enters Spain and enters into a joint venture with Daewoo Corporation in Korea.
In 1994, ARA Services evolves into ARAMARK to reflect the change in its business relationships and its commitment to customers.
In 1995, ARAMARK acquires Galls, the leading direct marketer of public-safety uniforms.
In 1998, ARAMARK divests its magazine and book division to better focus on its core businesses.

In 2000, FORTUNE magazine names ARAMARK one of America’s 100 Most Admired Companies. In 2002, 2003 and 2006 the magazine names ARAMARK America’s No. 1 Diversified Outsourcing company.
In 2001, ARAMARK purchases ServiceMaster Management Services.
In 2001, ARAMARK again lists on the New York Stock Exchange, this time under the ticker symbol RMK. The company’s revenues reach approximately $8 billion.
In 2003, ARAMARK completes the sale of its ARAMARK Educational Resources division to best focus on its core businesses: food, facility and other support services, and uniform and career apparel.
In 2006, a group of investors led by Joseph Neubauer proposed the acquisition of all outstanding shares of the company, a move shareholders overwhelmingly voted to approve. The acquisition was completed on January 26, 2007.