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 commenced 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 was established in Australia. 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 prestigious sporting and entertainment venues, major airports and travel hubs, leisure and entertainment destinations and educational institutions.

Delaware North Companies UK was established after winning the exclusive hospitality and food service contract at Wembley Stadium in 2002 marking a re-entry into the UK market. Delaware North entered the UK travel hospitality market in 2009 opening at London Gatwick Airport, London Heathrow Airport - Terminal 4 and Edinburgh Airport.

In the second half of 2009, Delaware North Australia Parks & Resorts was established after International acquired iconic Australian resorts Lizard Island, Heron Island and Wilson Island on the Great Barrier Reef, and King's Canyon in the Red Centre of Australia.

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