Analysis
NAICS 7223 is the 2022 industry group for special food services, part of 722 (Food Services and Drinking Places). Census lists 26 example activities under it in the official index.
Between 2018 and 2023 the number of establishments grew 23% and employment fell 2%. The 2018 count used NAICS 2017, so part of a large move can come from codes being redefined rather than from businesses opening or closing.
County Business Patterns counts 55,221 US establishments in this code in 2023, employing 805,701 people at an average annual payroll of $30,080 per employee (4th percentile of national industries). 53% of the establishments have fewer than five employees, which is close to the national mix.
Across its national industries Census lists 26 index entries; typical ones are airline food services contractors, banquet halls with catering staff and beverage stands, nonalcoholic, mobile.
It splits into 3 more detailed codes. The largest by establishments is 72231 (Food Service Contractors) with 29,512.
Its more detailed codes are 72231 Food Service Contractors (29,512 establishments), 72232 Caterers (13,222 establishments) and 72233 Mobile Food Services (12,487 establishments).
Official definition
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.
Source: US Census Bureau, NAICS 2022 Manual.
Index entries (26)
- Airline food services contractors
- Banquet halls with catering staff
- Beverage stands, nonalcoholic, mobile