Caterers
Description
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing single event-based food services. These establishments generally have equipment and vehicles to transport meals and snacks to events and/or prepare food at an off-premise site. Banquet halls with catering staff are included in this industry. Examples of events catered by establishments in this industry are graduation parties, wedding receptions, business or retirement luncheons, and trade shows.
Hierarchy
| Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 72 | Accommodation and Food Services 2-digit sector | The Sector as a Whole The Accommodation and Food Services sector comprises establishments providing customers with lodging and/or preparing meals, snacks, and beverages for immediate consumption. The sector includes both accommodation and food services establishments because the two activities are often combined at the same establishment. Some establishments that provide food and beverage services are classified in other sectors. Excluded from this sector are civic and social organizations. These establishments are classified in Sector 81, Other Services (except Public Administration). Amusement and recreation parks, dinner theaters, and other recreation or entertainment facilities are classified in Sector 71, Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation. Motion picture theaters are classified in Sector 51, Information. |
| 722 | Food Services and Drinking Places 3-digit subsector | Industries in the Food Services and Drinking Places subsector prepare meals, snacks, and beverages to customer order for immediate on-premises and off-premises consumption. There is a wide range of establishments in these industries. Some provide food and drink only, while others provide various combinations of seating space, waiter/waitress services, and incidental amenities, such as limited entertainment. The industries in the subsector are grouped based on the type and level of services provided. The industry groups are Special Food Services, such as food service contractors, caterers, and mobile food services; Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages); and Restaurants and Other Eating Places. Food and beverage services at hotels and motels, amusement parks, theaters, casinos, country clubs, similar recreational facilities, and civic and social organizations are included in this subsector only if these services are provided by a separate establishment primarily engaged in providing food and beverage services. Excluded from this subsector are establishments operating dinner cruises. These establishments are classified in Subsector 487, Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, because they utilize transportation equipment to provide scenic recreational entertainment. |
| 7223 | Special Food Services 4-digit industry group | This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing food services at one or more of the following locations: (1) the customer's location; (2) a location designated by the customer; or (3) from motorized vehicles or nonmotorized carts. |
| 72232 | Caterers 5-digit NAICS industry | See industry description for 722320. |
| 722320 | Caterers 6-digit U.S. detail | This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing single event-based food services. These establishments generally have equipment and vehicles to transport meals and snacks to events and/or prepare food at an off-premise site. Banquet halls with catering staff are included in this industry. Examples of events catered by establishments in this industry are graduation parties, wedding receptions, business or retirement luncheons, and trade shows. |
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Classification References
- 01Preparing and serving meals and snacks for immediate consumption from motorized vehicles or nonmotorized carts--are classified in Industry 722330, Mobile Food Services;
- 02Providing food services at institutional, governmental, commercial, or industrial locations of others (e.g., airline contractors, industrial caterers) based on contractual arrangements for a specified period of time--are classified in Industry 722310, Food Service Contractors; and
- 03Renting out facilities without providing catering staff--are classified in Industry 531120, Lessors of Nonresidential Buildings (except Miniwarehouses).
Index Items
Banquet halls with catering staff
Bartender services including supply of equipment and alcohol
Bartender services on own account (serving only)
Caterers
Catering services, social
How Item Can Help
Advanced data analytics predict demand fluctuations based on historical event data, helping caterers adjust menu production and staffing levels to minimize waste and control operational costs.
External Resources
Census.gov NAICS Detail
Official US Census Bureau definition and scope for NAICS 722320.
National Restaurant Association
Provides industry news, certification programs, and resources for the catering sector.
USDA Agricultural Marketing Service
Offers government data and regulations regarding processed poultry and food products used in catering.
Caterers.com Directory
A free online resource listing catering businesses by region and event type.
