Where does the word cafeteria originate?

The Word "cafeteria" originates from the Spanish Word "cafetería," which means "coffee shop" or "coffee house." It is derived from "café," meaning coffee, which traces back to the Arabic "qahwa." The term became popular in the United States in the late 19th century to describe self-service dining establishments. Over time, it evolved to refer to any dining area where patrons serve themselves from a variety of food options.