History


The parent company, Delaware North Companies Incorporated was founded by brothers Charles, Louis and Marvin Jacobs in 1915. They began by operating concessions in New York movie theatres. This was so successful that they began expanding the business into the new field of sports concessions, basically creating a new market for themselves. They were soon operating at baseball, horse racing and dog racing venues.

Since then, Delaware North Companies Incorporated has continued to expand its operations, including airports, train stations and resorts, even looking after hospitality at major landmarks, like the Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park and the Kennedy Space Centre Visitor Complex.

The company began international operations in 1960 and, at various times and venues over the next 25 years, provided hospitality and food services in the UK, Europe and Asia.

In 1988 Delaware North Companies International began establishing itself through the acquisition of Commonwealth Accommodation and Catering Services. Since that time, Delaware North Companies International has continued to expand its operations in Australia, the United Kingdom and New Zealand.

Today, Delaware North Companies International operates a portfolio of contract sites in many fields, including such prestigious sporting and entertainment venues as:

  • The New Wembley National Stadium, the home of English Football and one of the most famous of all London Landmarks
  • Emirates Stadium, the new home of the Arsenal Football Club, on the English Football's most successful and well-known teams
  • Melbourne Park, including Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Stadium and Hisense Arena, the home of the Australian Tennis Open, one of the four grand slam tennis events held annually
  • Etihad Stadium, the Australian Football League ground with the retractable roof, and venue for home games for Essendon and Carlton Football Clubs, the two most successful clubs in the AFL, as well as the Western Bulldogs, St Kilda and North Melbourne
  • The famous Western Australian Cricket Association (WACA) Ground, venue for test cricket and home ground of cricketing legends Dennis Lille, Rod Marsh and Adam Gilchrist

What started as a small enterprise by three driven brothers just over 90 years ago has become a global organization that continues to grow.