FREE 10+ Food Catering Contract Samples in PDF

The catering industry is a lucrative business that food-related service professionals should consider doing as their main hustle. Caterings are often called to prepare and serve food for different types of events. And it is also a great challenge for caterers to prepare different types of dishes for clients that asks for various menus that fit their events. Since caterers serve particular clients one at a time, compared to restaurants or canteens that serve various customers in a day, they need to create a contract to ensure that clients pay them for their services. If you’re interested to dabble in the catering business, one of the things you need to know is to create a catering contract. Read the article to know how to make one.

The catering industry is a lucrative business that food-related service professionals should consider doing as their main hustle. Caterings are often called to prepare and serve food for different types of events. And it is also a great challenge for caterers to prepare different types of dishes for clients that asks for various menus that fit their events. Since caterers serve particular clients one at a time, compared to restaurants or canteens that serve various customers in a day, they need to create a contract to ensure that clients pay them for their services. If you’re interested to dabble in the catering business, one of the things you need to know is to create a catering contract. Read the article to know how to make one.

10+ Food Catering Contract Samples

1. Food Program Catering Contract

2. Food Product Catering Contract

3. Food Beverage Catering Contract

4. Food Catering Services Contract

5. Sample Food Catering Contract

6. Food Catering Contract Summary

7. Standard Food Catering Contract

8. Food Truck Catering Contract

9. Food Meals Catering Contract

10. Basic Food Catering Contract

11. Food Buffet Catering Contract

What is Food Catering?

Catering is a service provided by a particular food service worker referred to as caterers that deliver food to their client’s location and cook and/or serve them to their clients and their guests at special events.

Details to Include in a Food Catering Contract

1. Food and Services Provided

• Menu: The contract must include the full details of the menu to be served for the client. This includes the main menu, appetizers, desserts, and beverages.
• Substitutions and alternates (if necessary): If the client asks for some additional food as alternatives or substitutions from the main menu to accommodate their guests with food allergies or dietary restrictions, include them in the contract, and state the name of these alternative dishes.
• Type of catering service: State what type of service you provide to your client; is it a sit-down meal or a buffet? Describe how to food will be served.
• Service crew:  State the number of service crew who will work for the catering job and the tasks of each crew that they are responsible for. 
• Resources used: Clearly state every piece of equipment and items that you as a caterer will provide such as glassware, utensils, and table linens, to name a few.

2. Fees and Payment Details

The contract must specify the total amount of all the costs of the food and the service you will provide for the client, as well as additional fees such as overtime charges, extra food charges, etc. Explain in great detail how the costs of the services are calculated. Once you’ve written down the total costs, including information regarding the payment mode and schedule. Explain your installment and deposit terms if you require the client to provide them once the contract is signed. Explain what payment mode you accept and how the client will pay by each mode.

3. Other Terms and Conditions

Aside from the important details mentioned above to include in the contract, including these standard contract terms and conditions such as:

• Information of both parties: Include the names and contact information of the parties involved (you as the caterer and your client), the venue of the event, and the date and time of the event.
• Health and safety requirements: You are responsible to comply with the health and safety regulations to ensure everyone is working and socializing in a safe place. Present licenses or permits that allow you to do certain things, such as serve alcohol.
• Cancellation policy. The cancellation policy should always be present in the contract and should state clearly all the terms regarding the cancellation instances. Include the amount that will be refunded if ever the event organizer cancels at a certain time.
• Breach of contract: Include the provisions and clauses on how to deal with any instances that breach the contract.

FAQs

Once you’re done creating a contract, review it for any errors or any inaccurate information that you’ve accidentally written down. Discuss the contract with your client to foster open communication with them relating to airing out concerns and inquiries before you sign the contract and make the catering service official. To help you get started making the contract, download our free sample templates above to use as your guide!