Analysis
NAICS 722320 is the 2022 national industry for caterers, part of 72232 (Caterers). Census lists 5 example activities under it in the official index.
County Business Patterns counts 13,222 US establishments in this code in 2023, employing 148,684 people at an average annual payroll of $30,873 per employee (4th percentile of national industries). 55% of the establishments have fewer than five employees, which is close to the national mix.
Between 2018 and 2023 the number of establishments grew 11% and employment fell 4%. 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.
Its index entries, the activities Census uses to assign businesses to this code, include banquet halls with catering staff, bartender services including supply of equipment and alcohol, bartender services on own account (serving only) and caterers, among 5 in all.
Census lists 3 related activities that belong elsewhere, most often in 722330, 722310 and 531120. Businesses that do several things are classified by their primary activity, the one that generates the most value, so check those boundaries before settling on this code.
For example, preparing and serving meals and snacks for immediate consumption from motorized vehicles or nonmotorized carts are classified in 722330 (Mobile Food Services) instead.
Official definition
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing single event-based food services. These establishments generally have equipment and vehicles to transport meals and snacks to events and/or prepare food at an off-premise site. Banquet halls with catering staff are included in this industry. Examples of events catered by establishments in this industry are graduation parties, wedding receptions, business or retirement luncheons, and trade shows.
Source: US Census Bureau, NAICS 2022 Manual.
Not this code if…
| The business mainly does | Use instead |
|---|---|
| Preparing and serving meals and snacks for immediate consumption from motorized vehicles or nonmotorized carts | 722330 Mobile Food Services |
| Providing food services at institutional, governmental, commercial, or industrial locations of others (e.g., airline contractors, industrial caterers) based on contractual arrangements for a specified period of time | 722310 Food Service Contractors |
| Renting out facilities without providing catering staff | 531120 Lessors of Nonresidential Buildings (except Miniwarehouses) |
Index entries (5)
- Banquet halls with catering staff
- Bartender services including supply of equipment and alcohol
- Bartender services on own account (serving only)
- Caterers
- Catering services, social