Last Updated December 6, 2022
Alternate Names:
- Catering Agreement
- Catering Services Agreement
- Food Service Agreement
What is a Catering Contract?
A Catering Contract is a service agreement between a caterer and a client that specifies the details of a catering service taking place over a specific period of time for one or more events.
What is included in a Catering Contract?
A Catering Contract covers important terms and conditions that both parties are expected to adhere to during the length of the agreement, such as:
- The date of the events
- Whether catering is needed for a single event or a series of events
- Details of the service, such as number of guests, serving staff, menus, dishware and cutlery for the guests, and cleanup at the venue after the event
- Details about the caterer or caterers, like whether the caterer is an individual or a corporation, and the name and location of the caterer or catering company
- Compensation details, such as whether an hourly rate or flat fee will be charged to the client, how long the client has to pay invoices, and if a deposit is needed
- How to terminate or cancel the agreement, and the amount of notice that needs to be given in order to cancel
- Protecting any intellectual property which may be present in any menus, recipes, methods or ingredients, whether they are owned by the client or the caterer
Who should use a Catering Contract?
A Catering Contract can be used by either the caterer or the client for events where food is to be provided for a number of people. Here are some examples of when a Catering Contract could be used:
- A restaurant wants to give their client clear expectations about the services and food products that they are able to provide for an event, like if they provide serving staff, or if they can do appetizers, drinks, or dessert
- A school without cooking facilities that wants to provide the option for students to purchase lunch
- A wedding planner organizing a wedding reception or rehearsal
- A company that wants to provide a staff breakfast, lunch, or dinner for an event or on a regular basis
- An individual or organization planning a fundraising event
- Organizing a holiday dinner or family reunion