History of the Hospitality Industry

Ancient Period: The Sumerians – The recorded history of the hospitality industry began with the Sumerians who lived in Mesopotamia near the Persian Gulf. Began the recorded history of the hospitality industry. They were the first to establish taverns that provided food, drinks, and shelter to Sumerian traders and travelers.

Early Traders – In 2000 BC, Middle Eastern traders set up the caravanserai to provide food and shelter to traders and travelers. They were the forerunners of the inns. Caravanserai is an example of an early inn.

The Ancient Persians – constructed Khans, a combination of stables and sleeping accommodations that served traveling caravans.

Medieval Period

Dark Ages – Fall of Roman Empire. In Europe, Charlemagne established rest houses for pilgrims to provide protection and hospitality.

Renaissance: 1350 AD to 1600 AD – there were no restaurants or dining establishments. Concern about table manners increased and rules to be observed at the dinner table were developed.

                           

Early Modern Period: 1600 AD 1800 AD - In the 16th century – a tavern called the “Ordinary” served a fixed menu for a fixed price to the ordinary people who appeared in England. Coffee and tea began to influence the culinary habits of Western Europe.

• In Venice, the famous café Florian on the Pizza San Marco was constructed.
• The first English coffee house was in St. Michael’s Alley, London in 1652.
• In 1683, Kolschitski opened the first coffee house in Central Europe.
• In England – the stagecoach became the favorite means of transportation. A stagecoach is a four-wheeled public transport coach used to carry paying passengers and light packages on journeys long enough to need a change of horses. Coaching inns were established to provide food and accommodation to travelers.

   In France, the reintroduction of restaurants for public dining. In 1765 in France, Boulanger operated a small business that sold soups and broths in Paris, known as a restaurant, which is the French word for restoratives. He is recognized as the first to create the first restaurant.

• Café is developed in France. Café is the French word for “coffee” which is another type of food service establishment.

The Industrial Era: 1800 – The development of railroad networks/ stations became excellent locations for new hospitality businesses in England and other countries that developed rail networks.

Modern Period

19th Century – In London, the Savoy, one of the best-known hotels was opened by Richard D’Oyly Carte in 1889. Two famous men were employed:

• Cesar Ritz – General Manager; and
• Auguste Escoffier – the Chef de Cuisines; known for his classic book, Le Guide Culinaire and installed the Kitchen Bridge System

Savoy Hotel

• In the United States, Delmonico’s was the only expensive and aristocratic restaurant. Served Swiss–French cuisine, the center of American gastronomy or the art of good eating.

20th Century

• In 1921, Walter Anderson and Billy Ingraham began the White Castle Hamburger.
• In 1927, Marriot Hot Shoppe and Root Beer opened. Drive-in and Fast -food restaurants sprang up in America.
• 1934, Rainbow Room opened – an art deco restaurant in New Year as the center of power and glamour.
• 1939, Four Season – 1st restaurant to offer seasonal menus with its modern theme architecture and art as a theme.

 After World War II

• The 1950s – Emergence of fast-food restaurants
• The 1960s – fine dining became popular
• In the 1970s – new establishments were introduced such as Taco Bell, TGI Fridays, Houston’s, and Red Lobster in the restaurant industry. Hotel corporations increase such as the Four Seasons, Canadian Pacific, Marriott, Hyatt, Sheraton, Hilton, Radisson, Ramada, and other high-class chains
• The 1989 – recession began, and the hospitality industry experienced a downturn due to the Gulf War. Since 1993, the economic recovery has been very strong. Many corporations have expanded overseas. Eastern Europe and China have opened.