I. ˌka-fə-ˈtir-ē-ə noun
Etymology: American Spanish cafetería coffeehouse, from cafetera coffee maker, from French cafetière, from café
Date: 1894
: a restaurant in which the customers serve themselves or are served at a counter and take the food to tables to eat
II. adjective
Date: 1951
: providing a selection from which a choice may be made
cafeteria benefit plan
a cafeteria curriculum