Catering Contract by EasyLegalDocs
This Catering Contract template establishes the terms and conditions between a caterer and a client for providing food, beverages, and related services for a specific event. It covers essential details such as event dates, menu, payment structure, cancellation policies, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
CATERING CONTRACT
This Catering Contract (the "Contract") is entered into on [effective date], the ("Effective Date"),
BETWEEN: | [caterer name], with an address of [caterer address], hereinafter referred to as the “Caterer” |
AND: | [client name], hereinafter referred to as the “Customer”, collectively referred to as the "Parties." and sets forth the agreement between the Parties relating to catering services to be provided by the Caterer for Client for the event identified in this Contract. |
Event Details
The Client has hired the Caterer to provide food and beverages, as well as related services, for an upcoming event (the “Event”).
Date: [date of event]
Guest Arrival: [start time] (the “Start Time”)
Guest Departure: [end time] (the “End Time”)
Event Venue: [venue address] (the “Venue”)
Estimated Number Of Guests: [guest count] (the “Guest Count”)
Food Menu
The Parties have agreed to the following menu. However, the Caterer reserves the right to make small changes to the menu if necessary ingredients are unavailable due to reasons out of their control.
Write or create a list detailing the proposed menu – see example below
Starter:
Item 1
Item 2
Item 3
Main:
Item 1
Item 2
Item 3
Desert:
Item 1
Item 2
Item 3
The caterer must have access to the venue three hours before the event's start time and two hours after the event's end time for clean up. The client will make all necessary arrangements to obtain this access at the client's expense.
Related Costs
The Client is responsible for all costs and deposits related to the use of the venue, including but not limited to rental fees, security deposits, and any permits or authorizations required by the catering company or local authorities for the provision of catering services at the venue.
The specific permissions and authorizations may include, but are not limited to, health and safety permits, alcohol service licenses, and any other regulatory approvals necessary for the lawful operation of the catering services at the chosen venue.
Terms of Payment
Client will pay Caterer [charge per guest] per person attending the event in exchange for Caterer's services as specified in this Catering Contract. The total cost for catering services shall be based on the Guest Count provided by the Client to Caterer one week prior to the Event. This Guest Count will serve as the minimum charge for the event.
The Estimated Total Cost of the event is [estimated total cost] (the "Estimated Total Cost").
The Caterer will be paid a deposit of [deposit amount] on the date of signing, and the remaining balance one week before the event. The exact amount due will be determined and provided in writing by the Client to the Caterer one week prior to the Event, along with a final Guest Count.
Disruption and Delays
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About this template
What is this template?
This is a service contract specifically for the provision of food and beverage at a set venue and date. It includes specific clauses for menu substitution, venue access windows, and guest count minimums that are not found in general service agreements.
When should you use it?
Use this document when hiring or providing catering services for a one-time event like a wedding or gala. If you are hiring a chef for ongoing long-term employment, use an Employment Agreement or a general Service Agreement instead.
What's inside
| Clause | Name | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Event Details | Event Details | Defines the event date, venue address, and Guest Count, alongside specific start and end times for the service. |
| Food Menu | Food Menu | Allows the Caterer to substitute ingredients if unavailable and mandates venue access three hours before the Start Time. |
| Terms of Payment | Terms of Payment | Calculates the total cost based on a fixed charge per guest and requires full payment one week before the event. |
| Insurance and Indemnification | Insurance and Indemnification | Obliges the Client to pay for property damage caused by guests while requiring the Caterer to maintain general liability insurance. |
| Cancelation | Cancelation | Requires written notice 60 days before the event and imposes a specific cancellation charge on top of the estimated total cost. |
| Limitation of Remedies | Limitation of Remedies | Permits the Caterer to provide a replacement company or a full refund if they cannot perform, excluding additional damages. |
| Dispute Resolution | Dispute Resolution | Mandates a good faith negotiation and mediation process before the Parties can initiate formal arbitration proceedings. |
Who it's for
- a professional caterer providing food and beverage services at a client-secured third-party venue
- an event host requiring a structured menu and guest-count-based pricing model
- a business entity booking event hospitality requiring liability and property damage protection for its guests
How long it runs and how it's signed
United States note
This version is drafted for US law generally. Contract, employment and consumer rules vary by state — for example on non-competes and at-will employment. Tell GitLaw which state applies and it adjusts the draft.
Frequently asked questions
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