If you own or operate a fast food restaurant and need your NAICS code, here is your answer right away.
The primary NAICS code for fast food is 722513, classified under Limited-Service Restaurants in the Accommodation and Food Services sector. While “fast food” is the term most people use, the federal government groups these businesses based on the fact that customers pay for their meals before eating. This page covers the relevant details so you can identify if this code fits your specific business model.
| Field | Details |
| NAICS Code | 722513 |
| Industry Title | Limited-Service Restaurants |
| Sector | 72 (Accommodation and Food Services) |
| Industry Group | 7225 |
| Last Updated | 2022 NAICS Edition (Next NAICS Edition will come in 2027) |
What Does NAICS Code 722513 Cover?
According to the official 2022 NAICS data, code 722513 covers establishments primarily engaged in providing food services where patrons generally order or select items and pay before eating.
In simple terms, this is the code for any dining spot where you walk up to a counter, use a kiosk, or order through a mobile app before you get your food. For fast food businesses, this includes:
- Traditional Fast-Food Chains: Burger, chicken, and taco shops with drive-thrus.
- Fast-Casual Spots: Upscale counter-service restaurants where food is made to order but patrons still pay upfront.
- Sandwich and Sub Shops: Delis or shops where the primary focus is on quick-assembly sandwiches.
- Takeout Pizza Places: Pizzerias that focus primarily on carryout or delivery rather than sit-down service.
- Drive-In Restaurants: Establishments where customers stay in their cars or use walk-up windows.
The important distinction here is the service flow. Food may be eaten on the premises, taken out, or delivered, but the transaction happens before the meal is consumed.
Does My Fast Food Business Qualify for Code 722513?
Your business qualifies for NAICS code 722513 if:
- You operate a restaurant where customers do not have a dedicated waiter taking orders at the table.
- Your main source of revenue comes from “pay-first” transactions.
- You provide a menu of full meals (breakfast, lunch, or dinner) rather than just snacks or beverages.
Your business may not qualify if:
- You provide full table service where patrons order while seated and pay after the meal, which falls under 722511 (Full-Service Restaurants) instead.
- You serve food from a buffet line where customers serve themselves, which falls under 722514 (Cafeterias, Grill Buffets, and Buffets) instead.
- You primarily sell snacks or drinks, like an ice cream parlor, donut shop, or specialized coffee house, which falls under 722515 (Snack and Nonalcoholic Beverage Bars) instead.
- You operate from a motorized vehicle or cart, which falls under 722330 (Mobile Food Services) instead.
When your business offers a mix of service styles, always classify based on the activity that generates the majority of your total revenue.
Where Will You Need This Code?
Your NAICS code is a standard identifier for your business. Here is where code 722513 will be required:
- Commercial Insurance: Insurance providers use this code to set premiums for General Liability and Workers’ Compensation. Fast food shops have different risks than fine dining—such as higher traffic and drive-thru accidents—so the right code ensures your pricing is accurate.
- Franchise and SBA Loans: If you are seeking a loan to open a new location or buy equipment, lenders use this code to assess the industry’s financial risk and growth potential.
- Health and Safety Permits: Most local and state health departments require your NAICS code when you apply for a food service permit.
- Merchant Accounts: Payment processors use this code to categorize your business, which can affect your transaction fees and your ability to accept certain payment types.
- Tax Filings: State and federal tax agencies use this code to track economic trends and determine eligibility for specific small business tax credits.
722513 in the NAICS Hierarchy
Every NAICS code sits inside a structured hierarchy. Here is exactly where 722513 fits:
| Level | Code | Title |
| Sector | 72 | Accommodation and Food Services |
| Subsector | 722 | Food Services and Drinking Places |
| Industry Group | 7225 | Restaurants and Other Eating Places |
| NAICS Industry | 72251 | Restaurants and Other Eating Places |
| National Industry | 722513 | Limited-Service Restaurants |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between fast food and fast-casual in the NAICS system?
There is no difference in the eyes of the government. Both traditional fast food (like McDonald’s) and fast-casual spots (like Chipotle or Panera) use code 722513. The key factor is that customers pay at a counter or kiosk before they eat.
My pizza shop has a few tables. Do I still use the fast food code?
Yes. As long as the primary way customers get their food is by ordering at a counter or over the phone/app and paying before consumption, it is a limited-service restaurant. The presence of a small dining area does not change the classification to “full-service.”
What code do I use if I run a coffee shop that also sells breakfast sandwiches?
If your primary revenue comes from coffee and beverages, you should use 722515 (Snack and Nonalcoholic Beverage Bars). You only use 722513 if the majority of your sales come from prepared meals like sandwiches or salads.
Does code 722513 cover delivery-only “ghost kitchens”?
Yes. If your business prepares food for off-premise consumption and requires customers to pay via an app or site before the food is delivered or picked up, 722513 is the most accurate classification.