What is the fundamental function defining a "food store" at its most basic level?

Answer

An establishment primarily engaged in the retail sale of food and drink for consumption elsewhere.

The core concept establishes a food store as an entity whose main commercial activity revolves around selling food and beverages to customers with the clear expectation that these items will be consumed off the premises. This differentiates it fundamentally from food service operations like restaurants, which sell food for immediate consumption on-site. The emphasis is placed on retail transaction for off-premises consumption as the primary function guiding the establishment's purpose.

What is the fundamental function defining a "food store" at its most basic level?
foodDefinitionstore