The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS), headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis. was founded on November 1, 1935 by Ben Marcus, with the purchase of a single movie theatre screen in Ripon, Wisconsin. Today, The Marcus Corporation is a leader in the lodging and entertainment industries with two divisions, Marcus Theatres® and Marcus® Hotels and Resorts.
A family-led company, Stephen H. Marcus, Ben’s son, served as president of the company from 1980 to 2008 and as chief executive officer from 1988 to 2009. He remains chairman of the board. Today the company is in its third generation of leadership. Gregory S. Marcus, Steve’s son, serves as president and chief executive officer of the company.
From that single movie theatre in Ripon, Marcus Theatres has grown to become the fifth largest motion picture circuit in the U.S. and owns or operates 687 screens at 55 locations in key markets throughout the Midwest. The company’s lodging division, Marcus Hotels & Resorts, owns/or manages a distinctive portfolio of 20 hotels, resorts and other properties in 11 states.
The Marcus Corporation’s emphasis on quality, value and exceptional customer service has earned the company a reputation for excellence in every field it has entered. Its associates are dedicated to creating a memorable experience for each and every guest and upholding the company’s philosophy of “People Pleasing People.”
The Marcus Corporation has built a legacy as a strong community partner and successful employer in the communities where its associates live and work. In recognition of the company’s 75th anniversary on November 1, 2010, the company initiated a “Moving Forward – Giving Back” associate volunteer campaign. The campaign encouraged all associates to volunteer in their communities to collectively achieve over 75,000 volunteer hours as an entire company from January 1, 2010 – November 1, 2010.
“Celebrating our Past – Building our Future” for The Marcus Corporation means building on the strengths of the past to generate excitement, growth and anticipation for the future – and the many opportunities it will bring its shareholders, customers and associates in the years ahead.
75th anniversary history video