noun
restaurant industry; catering industry; food service business
Refers broadly to the business of preparing and serving food and drink, including restaurants, catering, and food service operations.
彼は飲食業で長年働いてきた。
He has worked in the restaurant industry for many years.
飲食業は景気の影響を受けやすい。
The food service business is easily affected by the economy.
Compound of 飲食 (eating and drinking) and 業 (business, industry).