

<PAGE>





                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

                               ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS



         As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the
incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of our report dated
November 10, 1997, included in the Annual Report of ARAMARK Corporation on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended October 3, 1997 and to all references to our Firm
included in or made part of this Registration Statement.


                                                     /s/  Arthur Anderson LLP



Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

September 14, 1998



