Restaurants and Other Eating Places

Official definition

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in one of the following: (1) providing food services to patrons who order and are served while seated (i.e., waiter/waitress service) and pay after eating; (2) providing food services to patrons who generally order or select items (e.g., at a counter, in a buffet line) and pay before eating; or (3) preparing and/or serving a specialty snack (e.g., ice cream, frozen yogurt, cookies) and/or nonalcoholic beverages (e.g., coffee, juices, sodas) for consumption on or near the premises.

Excluded or separately classified activities

Official Census cross-references identify activities that belong under another North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code.

• Operating a civic or social association with a restaurant for their members--are classified in Industry 81341, Civic and Social Organizations;

  Civic and Social Organizations81341

• Operating as street vendors (except food) or retailing food (except food prepared and served for immediate consumption)--are classified in Sector 44-45, Retail Trade; and

  Retail Trade44-45

• Preparing and serving alcoholic beverages and known as bars, taverns, or nightclubs--are classified in Industry 72241, Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages);

  Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages)72241

• Preparing and serving snacks and nonalcoholic beverages from mobile vehicles for immediate consumption--are classified in Industry 72233, Mobile Food Services;

  Mobile Food Services72233

• Presenting live theatrical productions and providing food and beverages for consumption on the premises--are classified in Industry 71111, Theater Companies and Dinner Theaters;

  Theater Companies and Dinner Theaters71111

• Restaurant meals order and delivery services (i.e., independent order and delivery services)--are classified in Industry 49221, Local Messengers and Local Delivery.

  Local Messengers and Local Delivery49221