A restaurant (/ˈrÉ›stÉ™rÉ™nt/ or /ˈrÉ›stÉ™rÉ’nt/; French: [ʀɛs.to.Êɑ̃] ( listen)) is a business which prepares and serves food and drinks to customers in exchange for money, either paid before the meal, after the meal, or with an open account. Meals are generally served and eaten on premises, but many restaurants also offer take-out and food delivery services.