The food service industry refers to businesses, institutions, and companies that prepare and serve meals outside the home
. This includes restaurants, cafes, bars, cafeterias, catering companies, and institutional food providers
. Food service outlets serve meals and snacks for immediate consumption on site, also known as food away from home
. The industry generates significant revenue for countries and provides business opportunities and employment to citizens
. The food service industry is divided into two categories: commercial and non-commercial. Commercial foodservice establishments account for the bulk of food-away-from-home expenditures and include full-service restaurants, limited-service outlets, caterers, some cafeterias, and other places that prepare, serve, and sell food to the general public for a profit
. Non-commercial foodservice establishments include schools, hospitals, and other institutions that prepare and serve food to their clients or employees
. The food service industry is rapidly changing due to digitalization, social media, and growing ecological awareness
