722310 - Food Service Contractors
If you’re involved in the food service industry, particularly in providing contracted meal services at institutions, government facilities, or commercial locations, then NAICS Code 722310 - Food Service Contractors is essential for your business classification and federal contracting opportunities. This code represents a vital segment within the accommodation and food services sector, encompassing a broad range of food service providers operating under contractual arrangements.
What is NAICS Code 722310 - Food Service Contractors?
NAICS Code 722310 includes establishments primarily engaged in providing food services at institutional, governmental, commercial, or industrial locations of others based on contractual arrangements. These food service contractors prepare and serve meals and snacks tailored to the needs of various clients, ranging from schools, hospitals, and correctional facilities to airlines and entertainment venues.
Sector Overview: Accommodation and Food Services
Belonging to the Accommodation and Food Services sector, food service contractors under NAICS 722310 are critical in managing and operating food services where on-site dining operations are outsourced from the host organization. These contractors ensure quality food preparation, diverse menu offerings, and efficient service delivery for institutional customers.
Code Details and Key Activities
| Code Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Airline food services contractors | Providing food services specifically for airlines |
| Cafeteria food services contractors | Managing operations of cafeterias in government offices, hospitals, schools, and similar locations |
| Food concession contractors | Operating food concessions in convention centers, entertainment venues, and sporting facilities |
| Food service contractors, airline | Focused food service operations on airline premises |
| Food service contractors, cafeteria | General management and operation of cafeteria services |
| Food service contractors, concession operators | Managing concession food services in public venues |
| Food service contractors, industrial | Providing food services at industrial locations |
| Food service contractors, institutional | Catering and food service operations in institutional settings such as hospitals or schools |
| Industrial caterers | Providing contractual food services at industrial sites (excluding single-event catering) |
Typical Business Types and Activities under NAICS 722310
Businesses using this NAICS code usually handle comprehensive food services for large-scale clients. Examples include:
- Catering services for schools and hospitals
- Corporate cafeteria management in office buildings
- Food service management for correctional facilities
- Airline meal preparation and delivery
- Operating concession stands at sports arenas and entertainment complexes
Size Standard for NAICS 722310
For contracting and SBA (Small Business Administration) purposes, the size standard for this NAICS code is based on annual receipts of $47 million. This means businesses with annual revenues up to $47 million qualify as small businesses under this classification.
Why Understanding NAICS Code 722310 Matters
- Helps businesses identify appropriate federal contracting opportunities
- Establishes benchmarks for small business status and eligibility
- Facilitates accurate classification for tax, compliance, and reporting purposes
- Enables clients to find qualified food service contractors for various institutions
Frequently Asked Questions About NAICS Code 722310
What types of clients do Food Service Contractors (722310) typically serve?
They serve institutional, governmental, commercial, and industrial clients such as schools, hospitals, correctional institutions, airlines, and entertainment venues.
Is single-event catering included in NAICS 722310?
No. Single-event catering is excluded. NAICS 722310 covers ongoing contractual food service operations, not one-time events.
What is the size standard for small businesses in this industry?
The SBA size standard is $47 million in average annual receipts.
Can a food service contractor operate multiple types of venues under this NAICS code?
Yes. Many food service contractors manage a combination of cafeteria services, concession stands, and specialized catering depending on contracts.
How does this industry fit into the larger NAICS system?
It falls under Sector 72: Accommodation and Food Services, specifically focusing on contracted food service operations rather than direct restaurant or bar services.
Conclusion
NAICS Code 722310 - Food Service Contractors is a nuanced and important classification for businesses providing contract-based food services in institutional, governmental, and commercial settings. Whether serving schools, hospitals, correctional facilities, or airlines, these contractors play a vital role in ensuring quality meal provisions outside of traditional restaurant settings. Understanding this NAICS code can open up targeted opportunities in government contracting and streamline business classification.
Keywords: NAICS Code 722310, Food Service Contractors, accommodation and food services, government food service contracts, institutional catering, cafeteria management, food concession operators, size standard, SBA small business.
