Company History

It all began with a simple idea based on a foundation of service. In 1915, brothers Marvin, Charles and Louis Jacobs took the first step toward realizing the American dream of their immigrant parents by establishing a modest popcorn and peanuts vending business in Buffalo, N.Y.

Through hard work, dedication and innovative thinking, that small business has grown into one of the largest and most successful hospitality companies in the world. The arc of our story spans generations and industries, but threaded throughout has been the kind of insight that’s allowed us to see into what fans crave, travelers need and people desire. It’s been a century, in other words, of anticipating the next big thing.

The legacy endures today through Chairman Jeremy Jacobs – a son of one of the founding Jacobs brothers – and his three sons, who are all company chief executive officers. In 2015, we celebrated the entrepreneurial spirit of the Jacobs family and ushered in the next century of dynamic growth and success.