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From Humble Beginnings to Global Leadership
History
ARAMARK’S
From selling peanuts out of the back of a Dodge to becoming a global corporation, we continue our commitment to creating exceptional hospitality experiences – to Reach for Remarkable
Aramark: Rooted in Service
At 25-years-old, Davre Davidson buys peanut vending machines and places them around Los Angeles. He stocks them out of the trunk of his 1932 Dodge. This humble start lays the foundation for what will become the standard for service excellence: Aramark.
Davre Davidson Starts a Business
1936
At 22-years-old, Bill Fishman swaps his stake in a wholesale business with his brother-in-law for 300 vending machines in the Chicago area. The problem of distance between his accounts is solved with the purchase of a single-engine airplane.
Bill Fishman: Vendor and Pilot
1938
Davre Davidson and his brother Henry run Davidson Brothers, one of the largest vending companies in California.
Davidson Brothers
1945
Davidson’s company, Davidson Automatic Merchandising, and Fishman’s Automatic Sales Company combine to create Automatic Retailers of America (ARA). In two years’ time, the company will acquire Slater System, Inc., a food service company based in Philadelphia, and move headquarters there.
The Company Is Formed
1959
ARA stuns the food service industry when the humble vending company acquires the big food service company. Slater System is based in Philadelphia and its main client is the University of Pennsylvania. ARA moves its headquarters to Slater’s Philadelphia offices.
ARA Acquires Slater System, Inc.
1961
Going Public
ARA is listed on the New York Stock Exchange for the first time—though not the last.
1963
ARA is awarded the food service contract for the Summer Games in Mexico City, serving more than 10,000 athletes, fans, and officials. The company’s Olympic tradition is now set, and serving the Games will be a lasting part of its legacy.
Back at home, stadiums, national parks, and convention centers across the U.S. hunger for a solution to their food service needs. The company continues to find new ways to meet the need.
The Olympic Tradition Begins
1968
We Transform from ARA to ARA Services
1969
Change at the Top
Bill Fishman is named CEO of what is now ARA Services, a multinational enterprise with food service capabilities spanning North America and Europe. Davre Davidson continues in his role as Chairman of the Board.
1975
ARA Services Buys Work Wear
ARA Services enters the work uniform rental and career apparel industry with the purchase of Work Wear. The company’s uniform division is called ARATEX.
1977
Joe Neubauer Joins ARA Services
Joe Neubauer comes to ARA Services from Wilson Sporting Goods. In 1981, he is named President and COO. In 1984, Neubauer, now Chairman and CEO of the company, leads a management buyout in order to save the company from a hostile takeover. In just 99 days, the company returns to the private sector.
1979
Atop the Aramark Tower
ARA Services evolves into Aramark to reflect the change in the company’s business relationships and its commitment to serving customers with passion. The new name, logo, and Starperson icon are unveiled atop Aramark Tower on Market Street, a new addition to light up the changing Philadelphia skyline.
1994
A Return to the Public Market
For a second time, Aramark is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. This same year, the company acquires the managed services division of ServiceMaster for $800 million, greatly increasing its reach and capabilities in facility services.
2001
Aramark assembles a team of around 800 from around south Texas in response to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. They provide food and services at the Astrodome in Houston for close to 25,000 people displaced by the disaster.
A Refuge in the Storm
2005
Aramark Goes Private Again
The $6.3 billion buyout is again led by Chairman and CEO Joe Neubauer.
2006
Aramark Serves Trapped Chilean Miners
After a deadly mining collapse in Chile, the Aramark team delivers a continuous supply of nutritional vacuum-sealed meals to the survivors, known as “The 33.” The meals are sent through a narrow tube, a full half-mile underground, providing sustenance and hope for 68 days until the miners can be rescued.
2010
Going Public Again
After Neubauer retires in 2012, Aramark makes its third foray onto the New York Stock Exchange, under the leadership of new CEO and President Eric Foss, and using the symbol “ARMK.”
2013
Aramark Acquires Avendra
Aramark’s acquisition of the hospitality procurement provider combines Avendra’s capabilities with Aramark’s supply chain management expertise.
2017
New Leadership and New Global Headquarters
John Zillmer, a proven executive with a track record of driving market-leading business results, returns to the company as CEO. He also becomes a member of the company’s Board of Directors.
This is the year that Aramark moves into an industry-leading workplace, complete with a culinary innovation kitchen, in Philadelphia.
2019
With the company’s divestiture of its Uniform Services division—the new stand-alone company is called Vestis—Aramark returns to its roots as a hospitality company.
Aramark Spins off Uniforms
2023
IN2WORK, Aramark Correctional Services' program offering food service, retail, and warehouse training and certification, reaches the 20-year milestone. The program's aim is to provide skills and tools to help incarcerated individuals take control of their lives when they return to their communities. IN2WORK now offers 290 programs in 32 states, and has more than 14,000 graduates.
IN2WORK Reaches Milestone
2025
