Catering Contract

Catering Contract

A  contract like this for each engagement is a critical part of protecting your business. A solid agreement template from a trusted source can ensure every aspect of your company is protected.

These agreements indicate that the client requests catering for one event and that the caterer agrees to provide such services to the client on the terms and conditions that are stated in the agreement. In addition, both parties agree on the price that will be paid for the services provided. This agreement also indicates what happens if either party terminates the agreement before the date of the event and if compensation has to be provided.

If you are an individual or an organization planning an event, you should also use a catering agreement. Also, an agreement could be used if a restaurant wishes to give its customers clear expectations about the services and food that they can provide for a particular event. Essentially, these contracts should be used for almost any occasion where food is being purchased, planned, and provided for other people. 

If you need a well-written contract to protect you, set expectations, and minimize the liability risk and damage if you are sued, contact Concierge Contracts. Their knowledgeable legal team has created a set of customizable contracts that can be tailored to your needs, and they are dedicated to helping you with these matters. 

Catering Contracts Template

Although you should read caterer contracts and templates with a critical eye and ensure they include anything unique or specific to you and your company, there are some basic elements all should include.  Any template should include:

• The full legal name of the caterer or company and the location, as well as the full legal name of the client
• Date and time of the event(s)
• Number of events that need caterer services
• Information about the service to be provided (This might include the number of guests, number of serving personnel, and who hires them, a menu or several menus, dishware, and cutlery, as well as clean-up after the occasion.)
• Additional services that will be provided
• Payment information, such as whether an hourly rate or flat charge will be charged to the customer, how much time the customer has to pay the bill, and if a deposit is required upfront
• How to end or cancel the arrangement, as well as the amount of notice that has to be given to end the agreement
• Securing any intellectual property which may exist in any menu, recipes, methods or active ingredients, whether they are owned by the customer or the caterer service

It’s important to mention that the caterer will have full control over working time, methods, and decision making regarding the food service and other services provided during the specific event, except if it is set otherwise by the terms and conditions of the agreement. The caterer should provide the services, but also be responsive to the needs of the client.

Make sure that any additional modification of the agreement assumed by either party will only be binding if it is signed by each party or an authorized representative of each party. That means if either party has additional demands and requests, they should be in writing and signed by both parties.

Additionally, if you are a caterer who works in different or multiple locations like personal trainers do, you should make sure to have specific contracts for each location. This will help you make certain everything is covered, and it might include specific details for each property.

As a caterer, you should make sure that the agreement covers an independent contractor statement and the terms and conditions of the provided catering services. It states that the caterer is an independent contractor who has their own tools and equipment.

It also shows that the caterer and their team members are not employees of the client. Therefore, the client is not required to pay any social security, local, state or federal tax, unemployment compensation, workers’ compensation, insurance premium, pension or any other benefit for the caterer during this agreement. The caterer has to pay and comply with reporting requirements for all local, state, and federal taxes regarding the payments made under this agreement.

This is something that new entrepreneurs may not be aware of. However, this clause is very important since the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) conduct routine business audits looking for workers who have been misclassified as contractors. The consequences can vary in severity depending upon whether the misclassification is deliberate, unintended, or fraudulent.

In addition, the caterer should have the Force Majeure topic covered in the contract. It secures both the customer and the caterer from disasters or occasions beyond their control that might affect the event such as a flood, fire, or riot.

If you are hiring a catering service as a client, here are a couple of things to look for in their contract. 

1. Pay attention to the rules and regulations. This type of service has to adhere to all applicable local, state, and federal laws and health requirements. The caterer should also guarantee that the rules are followed. 
2. Pay attention to insurance. The agreement needs to require the caterer service to have adequate basic liability insurance coverage. It is also crucial that the host has event insurance coverage. 

Sample Document

Most catering contracts have basic info listed, such as the names and details of the parties. However, from there, the agreement becomes more complicated. You have to fill in all the significant information including the event details and services, the cost, the menu as well as information about cancellation and termination details.  

When the agreement is filled out, print it. Both parties should sign it. The best practice is that both parties keep a copy throughout and after the event for their records.

Agreement PDF

It is a good idea to attach your invoice with your quote to this type of agreement. Combined, you might send this set of documents to your client via email as a PDF. 

There are many simple, generic PDFs or text files available online. Although these documents can give you an idea of what to include in a contract, and there is a chance they have been created by legal professionals, you can’t be sure of that. And, they may or may not include everything you need to fully protect yourself and your business.

Keep in mind that Concierge Contracts offers industry-specific agreements that are customizable to your business needs, created by real business attorneys.

The legal framework provided by a good, solid agreement will protect your business so you can continue to serve your clients for many years to come. In addition, contracts can minimize disputes and problems with your clients, and ensure you get paid. That is especially important in this business, but also for any small business! 

Contract Example

Unlike a basic example of a free catering contract you can find on the internet, Concierge Contracts offers contracts and agreements that really have all the necessary information required to establish a legal structure for your service. 

These contracts are developed by experienced lawyers who have advised companies much like yours for years. Our clients can download their agreements quickly and keep them for future use. And, we’ve worked hard to ensure our contracts are offered at a price that won’t break the bank for business owners who are just starting out. 

Catering Contract Samples

As soon as you step through the guidelines on one of Concierge Contracts’ easy-to-customize templates, you will have a much better comprehension of what to watch out for.

Our legal documents marketplace offers the industry-specific, customizable documents that entrepreneurs and business owners need. Search today to find the contract that is right for you. 

However, if you need a piece of legal advice, don’t hesitate to contact us. These customizable documents will protect your business and make it look like you have a counsel on retainer, without paying high legal fees. We’ll also be happy to assist you if you need personal customized counsel or any other kind of legal advice.

Wedding Catering Contract

A wedding agreement is not necessarily any different than other contracts, but it can be more extensive for these services. After all, when it comes to weddings, in most cases you have to provide multiple meals or types of food, a fancy cake, and more — so there are simply more services to include in the agreement.  

Ensure that you discuss what kind of food will be required and ensure they are specified in your agreement, before confirming the service. Also, if alcohol is included with your service, you may need specific licenses which should be explained therein. 

If you partner with other service providers like photographers, they also need to be covered by the main or separate photography contracts. 

Using an agreement from Concierge Contracts, you can secure your interests and ensure everything runs smoothly for the client and yourself.