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Enter the full legal name of this party exactly as it appears on their ID or business registration.
Enter the full legal name of this party exactly as it appears on their ID or business registration.
A Catering Services Agreement is the binding contract between a catering company or private chef and a client for the provision of food, beverage, and related services at a specific event. Defines the event date, location, guest count, menu, service style, staffing requirements, rental items, liability for food safety and allergies, payment and gratuity terms, cancellation fees, and whether the caterer holds required food handling licenses and insurance. The single most important document for protecting both the client's event budget and the caterer's liability exposure from foodborne illness claims. Fill out this free catering services agreement template online, e-sign it digitally, and download a legally valid PDF. no account or lawyer needed. Sections: Parties, Event Details.
This Catering Services Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into as of ______________ by and between ______________, located at ______________ ("Caterer"), and ______________, located at ______________ ("Client").
Caterer agrees to provide catering services for Client's ______________ (the "Event") on ______________ at ______________. Services shall be provided during the following hours: ______________.
Caterer shall prepare and serve the following menu: ______________. Service style: ______________. The menu items may be subject to minor substitutions based on seasonal availability of ingredients; any material change to the menu shall require Client's prior written approval. Caterer shall accommodate the following dietary restrictions or special accommodations as discussed and confirmed with Client prior to the Event.
The guaranteed guest count is 0 persons (the "Guarantee"). Client shall confirm the final guest count no later than 7 days prior to the Event. If the final count decreases below the Guarantee, the Guarantee shall remain the basis for billing. If the final count increases above the Guarantee, Caterer shall use its best efforts to accommodate the additional guests, and Client shall be billed for actual servings provided at the per-person rate in this Agreement, plus a 15% premium for last-minute additions.
Caterer shall provide the following staffing for the Event: ______________ (the "Catering Staff"). Caterer represents that all Catering Staff hold required food handler certifications and have completed Caterer's training program. Catering Staff shall be uniformly dressed in professional attire appropriate for the event. Client shall not direct Catering Staff to perform tasks outside the scope of catering services without Caterer's consent.
The total fee for catering services is $0.00 (the "Catering Fee") for the guaranteed guest count. Payment schedule: (a) Non-Refundable Deposit: $0.00, due upon execution of this Agreement to secure the Event date. (b) Final Payment: Balance due ______________. Caterer reserves the right to cancel the Event if final payment is not received by the due date. (d) Additional charges for additional guests, extra hours of service, rentals, or other extras shall be invoiced within 7 days after the Event and are due net 10.
Caterer shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local food safety laws and regulations, including proper food temperature maintenance, allergen labeling, and sanitary handling practices. Client is responsible for informing Caterer in advance of any guest allergies or dietary restrictions. Caterer shall take reasonable precautions to accommodate disclosed allergies but cannot guarantee an allergy-free environment. Client shall provide Caterer with a complete list of known guest allergies at least 10 days before the Event. Client acknowledges that cross-contamination risks exist in any catering environment.
Caterer represents that it holds all required business licenses, food handler permits, and liquor licenses (if applicable) required to provide the services described herein. Caterer shall maintain commercial general liability insurance with limits of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence and shall provide Client with a certificate of insurance upon request.
If Client cancels this Agreement: (a) More than 90 days before the Event: Client forfeits the non-refundable deposit only. (b) 31–90 days before the Event: Client is responsible for 50% of the total Catering Fee. (c) 30 days or less before the Event: Client is responsible for 100% of the total Catering Fee. If Caterer cancels the Event for any reason within Caterer's control, Caterer shall return all amounts paid and shall use reasonable efforts to recommend a qualified replacement caterer. Cancellation due to force majeure (natural disaster, government order, venue cancellation) shall entitle Client to a credit toward a rescheduled event, but not a refund.
Caterer's total liability under this Agreement shall not exceed the total Catering Fee paid by Client. Caterer shall not be liable for indirect, consequential, or punitive damages arising from any cause. This limitation applies to all claims, including food safety claims, except claims arising from Caterer's gross negligence or willful misconduct.
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of ______________, without regard to its conflict-of-laws principles.