From being a small beverage stall in Washington, D.C. to becoming the largest hotel company in the world.
This is the story of Marriott International.
In 1927, J.W. Marriott and his wife, Alice, opened a small root beer stand in Washington, D.C.
Their aim was simple: to serve refreshing drinks to beat the scorching summer heat.
As they quenched people’s thirst, they dreamed of something bigger—a place where good food and friendly service would bring joy to many.
With hard work and determination, the Marriotts expanded their business, opening their first Hot Shoppes restaurant in 1927.
But it wasn't always smooth sailing. Challenges came their way, from economic downturns to changing customer tastes.
Yet, through it all, they remained committed to their vision of providing quality food at fair prices.
One of their biggest breakthroughs came in 1937 when J.W. Marriott noticed a need for in-flight catering at Hoover Airport.
Seizing the opportunity, he pioneered the concept, forever changing the way travelers dined in the sky. It was a turning point that propelled their business to new heights.
But success brought its own set of challenges.
During World War II, the Marriotts had to adapt and were forced to manage cafeterias at government buildings and defense plants.
But as they say- "When the going gets tough, the tough get going!"
In 1953, J.W. Marriott took his boldest step yet, opening the world's largest motel near Washington National Airport.
It was a risky move, but one that paid off, catapulting their business into the spotlight.
Thousands of customers came in and as the years went by, the Marriott empire continued to grow.
Now, under the leadership of J.W. Marriott's son, Bill Jr., the company diversified, expanding into new ventures and territories.
Soon, they become the largest hotel company in the world.
Today, Marriott International stands as a testament to the Marriotts' enduring legacy.
With thousands of hotels worldwide, their commitment to providing exceptional service continues to inspire travelers around the globe.
Today, Marriott International has 32 brands with 8,785 properties containing 1,597,380 rooms in 139 countries and territories.
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1moit's great to see small businesses and healthy options at ORD.