By Contributing Writer
The Marriott Hotel Corporation began as a husband-and-wife operation and has turned into an international business with billions of dollars worth of revenue. The Marriott Corporation got its start in the food business and still controls several national restaurant chains. The company got its start in the hotel business in the 1950s and today holds more than 3,000 lodging properties in the
United States and 66 other countries.
The Business Begins
In 1927, J. Willard Marriott and his wife Alice opened a root beer stand called the "The Hot Shoppe." In 1929, the Hot Shoppe became an incorporated business. The Hot Shoppe also created curb-side service.
Getting Bigger
In the 1930s and 1940s, Hot Shoppe Inc. expanded into more areas of the food service industry. During this time, Hot Shoppe began catering food to airlines while also gaining governmental contracts.
The First Hotels
In 1957, the Marriotts opened their first hotel. The Twin Bridges Motor Hotel was located in Arlington, Virginia and boasted 365 rooms. The company's first international hotel opened in Acapulco, Mexico in 1969. The Marriotts' first European hotel opened in Amsterdam, Holland in 1975.
Name Change
Hot Shoppe Inc. officially changed its name to the Marriott Corporation in 1967. The Marriott Corporation acquired the Camelback Inn later in 1967 while also buying Bob's Big Boy Restaurants and Fairfield Farm Kitchens.
Company Splits
In 1993, the Marriott Corporation split into Marriott International and Host Marriott Corporation. Marriott International controls the company's hotel and lodging companies.
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