722 - Food Services and Drinking Places
When navigating the world of government contracting or industry classification, knowing the right NAICS code is essential. One of the most vibrant and diverse industries is represented by NAICS code 722, titled Food Services and Drinking Places. This code is key for businesses preparing meals, snacks, and beverages for immediate consumption, a sector that plays a crucial role in daily life and the economy.
What is NAICS Code 722?
NAICS Code 722 covers a broad range of establishments primarily engaged in preparing and serving food and drinks for immediate consumption. This includes everything from casual eateries to sophisticated bars and everything in between. If you operate a business that offers on-the-spot dining or drinking services, chances are you fall under this classification.
Sector Overview: Accommodation and Food Services
NAICS 722 belongs to the larger Accommodation and Food Services sector. This sector broadly encompasses businesses that provide lodging and food services to customers. Within this sector, NAICS 722 focuses exclusively on food services and drinking places, a dynamic and customer-facing segment.
Typical Business Activities Under NAICS 722
- Preparing and serving meals, snacks, and beverages for immediate consumption
- Managing dining operations, including seating and order taking
- Offering alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption
- Handling food safety and quality control
- Providing takeout and catering services in some cases
Size Standards for NAICS Code 722 Eligibility
To qualify as a small business under NAICS code 722 for government contracting and SBA loans, businesses are assessed based on their annual revenue.
- Size Standard: Typically, establishments under NAICS 722 must have average annual receipts of $8 million or less over the past three years.
- Some subcategories may have different size standards, so it’s important to check specific SBA regulations for your exact business type.
Examples of Businesses Included in NAICS Code 722
Here are typical businesses classified under NAICS 722:
- Full-service restaurants: Traditional sit-down restaurants where customers are served at their table.
- Limited-service eating places: Fast-food outlets, cafeterias, and quick-service dining facilities.
- Drinking places (alcoholic beverages): Bars, taverns, pubs, nightclubs, and lounges primarily serving alcoholic drinks.
NAICS Code 722 Details Table
| NAICS Code | Title | Sector | Description | Size Standard | Examples of Businesses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 722 | Food Services and Drinking Places | Accommodation and Food Services | Establishments preparing meals, snacks, and beverages for immediate consumption including restaurants, bars, cafeterias | $8 million average annual receipts | Full-service restaurants, limited-service eateries, drinking establishments |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About NAICS Code 722
Q1: Can a catering business be included under NAICS 722?
Most catering services fall under different NAICS codes unless they primarily prepare food for immediate consumption on-premises. If the focus is on immediate consumption, such as in cafeterias, they may be included.
Q2: What is the difference between a full-service and limited-service restaurant for NAICS classification?
- Full-service restaurants typically offer table service where customers order and are served at their table.
- Limited-service restaurants offer counter service or self-service with minimal table service.
Q3: How can I verify my business's NAICS code?
You can verify or search your business NAICS code using the U.S. Census Bureau's NAICS lookup tool.
Q4: Why is NAICS code classification important?
NAICS codes are critical for government contracting, taxation, regulatory compliance, and market research purposes. Correct classification ensures eligibility for contracts and funding targeted to your industry.
By understanding NAICS code 722, businesses in the food service and drinking places industry can better position themselves for growth, compliance, and government contracting opportunities. Whether you run a bustling bar or a neighborhood restaurant, knowing the ins and outs of your NAICS classification is a step toward success.
