Industry Description
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing food services at institutional, governmental, commercial, or industrial locations of others based on contractual arrangements with these types of organizations for a specified period of time. The establishments of this industry provide food services for the convenience of the contracting organization or the contracting organization's customers. The contractual arrangement of these establishments with contracting organizations may vary by type of facility operated (e.g., cafeteria, restaurant, fast-food eating place), revenue sharing, cost structure, and personnel provided. Management staff is always provided by food service contractors.
Illustrative Examples:
Airline food service contractors
Food concession contractors (e.g., at sporting, entertainment, convention facilities)
Cafeteria food service contractors (e.g., at schools, hospitals, government offices)
Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in--
Business Examples
Common types of business activities within NAICS 722310 - Food Service Contractors are:
- Food service contractors, industrial
- Food service contractors, concession operators (e.g., convention facilities, entertainment facilities, sporting facilities)
- Food concession contractors (e.g., convention facilities, entertainment facilities, sporting facilities)
- Cafeteria food services contractors (e.g., government office cafeterias, hospital cafeterias, school cafeterias)
- Food service contractors, cafeteria
- Industrial caterers (i.e., providing food services on a contractual arrangement (except single-event basis))
- Airline food services contractors
- Food service contractors, airline
- Food service contractors, institutional
IBISWorld Industry Research Report
Food Service Contractors in the US (72231)
Revenue 2025
$53.1bn
Growth 2025
0.64%
Key Trends
Food service contractors are challenged by multiyear contracts, high costs and variable demand
Food preparation experiences high volatility while earning a thin margin
The aging US population will contribute to steady healthcare demand and a need for food services
Products and Services
Similar Industries
For some business types, there may be a similar industry to 722310 - Food Service Contractors that is a better classification match. Establishments primarily engaged in:
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NAICS Cross Reference
Supplying and servicing food vending machines--are classified in Industry 454210, Vending Machine Operators.
IBISWorld industry research report
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NAICS Cross Reference
Providing food services on a single-event basis--are classified in Industry 722320, Caterers; and
IBISWorld industry research report
NAICS Hierarchy 722310 - Food Service Contractors
NAICS Code 722310 - Food Service Contractors sits in the 2-digit Food Service Contractors sector. NAICS codes can be 2- to 6-digits and the further along the hierarchy, the more detailed and specific the category will be. Learn more about the structure of NAICS codes
2 Digits: 72
Sector Title: Accommodation and Food Services
3 Digits 4 Digits 5 Digits 6 Digits
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7211 Traveler Accommodation
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72111 Hotels (except Casino Hotels) and Motels
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72112 Casino Hotels
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72119 Other Traveler Accommodation
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7212 RV (Recreational Vehicle) Parks and Recreational Camps
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72121 RV (Recreational Vehicle) Parks and Recreational Camps
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7213 Rooming and Boarding Houses, Dormitories, and Workers' Camps
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72131 Rooming and Boarding Houses, Dormitories, and Workers' Camps
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7223 Special Food Services
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72231 Food Service Contractors
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72232 Caterers
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72233 Mobile Food Services
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7224 Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages
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72241 Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages
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7225 Restaurants and Other Eating Places
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72251 Restaurants and Other Eating Places
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Similar Industries Niche and Emerging
IBISWorld provides research on hundreds of niche and emerging industries, including the following for 722310 - Food Service Contractors.
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