1. Parties
This Catering Contract (the "Contract") is made on [DATE] between [CATERER NAME], located at [CATERER ADDRESS] (the "Caterer"), and [CLIENT NAME], located at [CLIENT ADDRESS] (the "Client").
2. Event Details
Event: [EVENT TYPE] Date: [EVENT DATE] Service time: [START TIME] to [END TIME] Location: [VENUE NAME AND ADDRESS] Estimated guests: [NUMBER] On-site contact: [NAME AND PHONE]
3. Menu and Service Style
The Caterer will provide the menu set out in [EXHIBIT A / MENU DESCRIPTION], served as [SERVICE STYLE, e.g. plated dinner, buffet, family style, stations]. The Caterer may substitute ingredients of equal or better quality if an item is unavailable, and will tell the Client in advance where practical.
4. Dietary Requirements and Allergens
The Client will provide details of dietary requirements and known allergies by [DATE]. The Caterer will make reasonable efforts to accommodate them and will label dishes containing major allergens. The Client acknowledges that the Caterer's kitchen handles common allergens and cannot guarantee that any item is completely free of them.
5. Staffing, Equipment, and Rentals
The Caterer will provide [NUMBER] servers, [NUMBER] chefs, and [NUMBER] bartenders for [HOURS] hours, plus [EQUIPMENT / RENTALS INCLUDED, e.g. chafing dishes, plates, glassware, linens]. Additional service time is charged at [RATE] per staff member per hour.
6. Pricing and Payment
Pricing is [PRICE PER PERSON] per guest, for an estimated total of [ESTIMATED TOTAL AND CURRENCY], plus [SERVICE CHARGE PERCENTAGE]% service charge and applicable taxes. The Client will pay a deposit of [DEPOSIT AMOUNT] on signing, which is [NON-REFUNDABLE / REFUNDABLE UNTIL DATE], and the balance by [DATE / NUMBER DAYS BEFORE THE EVENT].
7. Final Guest Count
The Client will confirm the final guest count no later than [NUMBER] days before the Event. The Client will be charged for the final count or the actual number of guests served, whichever is greater. The count may not be reduced after the deadline.
8. Alcohol Service
[IF APPLICABLE: The Caterer will serve alcohol only in accordance with applicable licensing laws, will not serve anyone under the legal drinking age or visibly intoxicated, and may stop alcohol service if it considers it unsafe to continue.] [OR: The Caterer will not provide or serve alcohol.]
9. Leftovers and Food Safety
For food safety reasons, leftover food [WILL / WILL NOT] be packaged for the Client. The Caterer is responsible for food safety until food is served; it is not responsible for food removed from its control by guests or the Client.
10. Cancellation
If the Client cancels more than [NUMBER] days before the Event, the Caterer retains the deposit. If the Client cancels within [NUMBER] days, [PERCENTAGE]% of the estimated total is due to cover purchased food and scheduled staff. If the Caterer cannot perform, it will refund all payments received.
11. Liability, Governing Law, and General Terms
The Caterer will maintain general liability insurance of at least [AMOUNT]. Neither party is liable for delays caused by events beyond its reasonable control. The Client is responsible for damage to the Caterer's equipment caused by the Client or guests. This Contract is governed by the laws of [GOVERNING LAW JURISDICTION] and is the entire agreement between the parties.
12. Signatures
The Parties agree that this Agreement may be signed electronically and in counterparts, and that electronic signatures have the same effect as handwritten signatures. CATERER: [CATERER NAME] Signature: ____________________ Name: [SIGNATORY NAME] Date: [DATE] CLIENT: [CLIENT NAME] Signature: ____________________ Date: [DATE]