SOC 11-9051.00: Food Service Managers — Occupation Classification & Job Zone
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization or department that serves food and beverages.
Job Zone 2: Some preparation
Occupations in this zone usually require a high school diploma and some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience. Employees may need a few months to one year of on-the-job training or informal training with experienced workers.
Related industries and commodity codes
Occupations are not industries, but these classifications often appear in the same hiring, procurement, or market research workflow.
Suggested NAICS industries
Suggested UNSPSC categories
Who is this code for
Occupations and roles commonly associated with this classification
Also relevant for
Source: O*NET / BLS occupation data · O*NET 30.2 / BLS SOC
Frequently asked questions
- What is NAICS 11-9051.00?
- NAICS 11-9051.00 is the North American Industry Classification System code for Food Service Managers. It classifies this business activity for statistical, regulatory, and government procurement purposes. Federal agencies use NAICS codes to collect and publish data about the US economy, determine SBA size standards, and set aside contracts for small businesses.
- What licenses and permits does a Food Service Managers need?
- A Food Service Managers typically needs a local business license, a federal EIN from the IRS, and industry-specific permits depending on the sector. Check with your city or county clerk for a general business license, your state's professional or industry licensing board for any required occupational licenses, and your state's tax authority for a sales tax permit if you sell taxable goods or services.
- How do I register a Food Service Managers business in the United States?
- To register a Food Service Managers business, first choose your legal structure: sole proprietorship (simplest, uses SSN), LLC (personal liability protection, files with your Secretary of State), or corporation (Form 1120 or 1120-S). Register your business name (DBA) with your county if operating under a trade name. Obtain an EIN from the IRS at irs.gov/ein. Register with your state revenue department for any applicable taxes.
- What tax forms does a Food Service Managers file with the IRS?
- Tax forms depend on your entity type. A sole proprietor files Schedule C with Form 1040 and Schedule SE for self-employment tax (15.3%). An LLC taxed as a partnership files Form 1065 with Schedule K-1s. A C-Corporation files Form 1120 (21% flat rate). An S-Corporation files Form 1120-S. All businesses paying employees file Form 940 (FUTA) annually and Form 941 quarterly. Estimated tax payments are made via Form 1040-ES four times per year.
- Is Food Service Managers the right NAICS code for my business?
- Your NAICS code should reflect your primary business activity — the one generating the most revenue or value. If Food Service Managers describes your main line of business, NAICS 11-9051.00 is likely correct. If you have multiple distinct activities, you may need separate codes for statistical reporting. For federal contracting, your SAM.gov registration should use the code that best matches the work you perform. Review the official NAICS 11-9051.00 description and exclusions to confirm it fits your operations.
- What are the ServSafe or food safety manager requirements for a Food Service Managers?
- Most state health codes require at least one certified food protection manager (CFPM) per establishment, obtained by passing an ANSI-accredited exam like ServSafe, National Registry, or Learn2Serve. The certification is valid for 5 years. Your manager certification must be posted on-site. All other food handlers should complete a food handler training course (required by many states and local jurisdictions) within 30 days of hire.
- Does a Food Service Managers need to collect and remit sales tax on food?
- Sales tax on food varies dramatically by state. Most states exempt grocery food (unprepared food for home consumption) but tax prepared food, restaurant meals, and catering. Some states tax all food, some exempt all food, and many have a reduced rate for food. Beverage tax may apply separately to soft drinks and alcohol. Check your state department of revenue for specific food sales tax rules and exemption certificates.
- What allergen compliance applies to a Food Service Managers?
- Under the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) and the FASTER Act of 2021, the top 9 major food allergens (milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, sesame) must be clearly labeled. For restaurant/food service, many states require allergen awareness training and posted notices. Cross-contact prevention procedures should be part of your food safety plan. Failure to disclose allergens can lead to FDA warning letters and civil liability.
- Does a Food Service Managers need to register with the FDA as a food facility?
- Domestic and foreign facilities that manufacture, process, pack, or hold food for consumption in the US must register with the FDA under the Bioterrorism Act. Registration is biennial (renew every even-numbered year between October 1 and December 31). There is no fee. Exemptions exist for retail food establishments, restaurants, farms, and personal residences. Failure to register may result in detention of food products and civil penalties.
How to prepare for a food service managers career in the US
Confirm Food Service Managers (SOC 11-9051.00) is the correct code.
Review education, licensing, and certification requirements on O*NET.
Check BLS employment projections for this occupation.
US Tax Forms & Registration
| Form Name | Who Files It | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Profit or Loss from Business | ||
| U.S. Return of Partnership Income | ||
| U.S. Corporation Income Tax Return | ||
| U.S. Income Tax Return for an S Corporation | ||
| Self-Employment Tax | ||
| Estimated Tax for Individuals | ||
| Application for Employer Identification Number (EIN) | ||
| Entity Classification Election | ||
| Nonemployee Compensation | ||
| Employer's Annual Federal Unemployment (FUTA) Tax Return | ||
| Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return | ||
| Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification |
Entity Comparison
No federal sales tax in the United States. Sales tax is imposed at state and local levels, ranging from 0% to 10.25%. Economic nexus thresholds (following South Dakota v. Wayfair) require out-of-state sellers to collect sales tax once they exceed a state's revenue or transaction threshold, typically $100,000 in sales or 200 transactions per year.
No state income tax: Alaska (AK), Florida (FL), Nevada (NV), New Hampshire (NH), South Dakota (SD), Tennessee (TN), Texas (TX), Washington (WA), Wyoming (WY)
Who uses this code?
Provides off-premise food service for weddings, corporate events, and private parties.
- ●Catering permit
- ●Health department certification
- ●Liability insurance
- ●Schedule C (Form 1040)
- ●Schedule SE (Form 1040)
- ●State sales tax return
Operates a retail and wholesale bakery producing breads, pastries, and custom cakes.
- ●Health permit
- ●Food processor registration (FDA)
- ●Cottage food permit (if home-based)
- ●Schedule C or 1120-S
- ●Schedule SE
- ●State sales tax return
Runs a neighborhood café serving espresso drinks, baked goods, and light fare.
- ●Food service permit
- ●Health department license
- ●Sign permit
- ●Music license (BMI/ASCAP)
- ●Schedule C or 1065
- ●Form 940 (FUTA)
- ●State sales tax return
Prepares weekly portioned meals delivered to health-conscious and fitness-focused clients.
- ●Cottage food or commercial kitchen permit
- ●Food handler certification
- ●Liability insurance
- ●Schedule C (Form 1040)
- ●Schedule SE (Form 1040)