Aramark partners with Starr Restaurants, acquires minority stake

Philadelphia-based Aramark announced today that it has entered into a strategic collaboration with Starr Restaurant Organization (dba Starr Restaurants), also headquartered in the City of Brotherly Love. Led by entrepreneur and James Beard Award-winning restaurateur Stephen Starr, the organization is one of the largest multi-concept and independent restaurant groups in the United States.

Aramark's collaboration with Starr Restaurants is designed to provide best-in-class hospitality experiences for Aramark clients and new growth opportunities for both companies. Simultaneously, Aramark is acquiring a minority ownership stake in Starr Restaurants.

"Being based in Philadelphia, we have had a front-row seat as Stephen Starr, one of the culinary pioneers of our city’s food scene, elevated the dining experience and helped make Philadelphia one of the best food cities in the country," said Marc Bruno, Aramark's chief operating officer for the U.S. food and facilities unit. 

The partnership gives Aramark an exclusive licensing to operate designated Starr concepts and brands within multiple lines of its business. I will provide national visibility to Starr concepts through Aramark’s client base in higher education, business dining, sports and entertainment, convention centers, cultural attractions, and other foodservice divisions.

“I began my career as a concert promoter in stadiums and major arenas and am eager to get back into large entertainment venues, but this time in the culinary space, said Stephen Starr. "I look forward to developing innovative and cool concepts for many of Aramark’s clients and customers around the country, as well as a robust and beneficial knowledge exchange among our talented leaders.”