Full-service Restaurants
Key Figures
Figures are published for NAICS 722511 directly.
Secure payments powered by Stripe, a PCI DSS Level 1 certified provider
Official definition
This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing food services to patrons who order and are served while seated (i.e., waiter/waitress service) and pay after eating. These establishments may provide this type of food service to patrons in combination with selling alcoholic beverages, providing carryout services, or presenting live nontheatrical entertainment.
Source: US Census Bureau, 2017 NAICS Definitions. Public domain.
Which code does this activity belong in?
Full-service restaurants are distinguished by their table service model, where patrons are seated and served by waitstaff before paying for their meal. This contrasts with limited-service restaurants, where customers order and pay at a counter before eating, and with cafeterias and buffets, where patrons select items themselves from display lines. Snack and nonalcoholic beverage bars, while they may operate on-premises, focus primarily on specialty snacks or beverages rather than complete meal service.
VantaInsights AnalysisWhere this sits
Related classifications
Related guides
There were 618,476 US restaurants with paid employees in 2023 (Census CBP), plus 148,626 run with no employees. Counts by type and how we counted.
Restaurant owner income data from federal sources. Typical range: $60K–$120K/year (Industry Benchmarks, 2024). Factors affecting owner pay, by format and size.
Restaurant employee turnover rate data and benchmarks. 75%+ annual turnover (Industry Data, 2024). Causes, costs, and retention strategies backed by federal
Restaurant food cost percentage benchmarks from industry data. 28–35% average (2024). Formula, format comparisons, and strategies to reduce food costs.
Get verified restaurant industry trends data from federal sources. US Restaurant Industry Employment: 11.4M+ (Census CBP, 2023).