Free BBQ Catering Contract Template

BBQ Catering Contract

This BBQ Catering Contract (hereinafter referred to as the "Contract") is entered into on [day], [month], [2050], by and between [Your Company Name], located at [Your Company Address] (hereinafter referred to as the "Caterer"), and the client, [Your Client Name], located at [Client Address] (hereinafter referred to as the "Client"). The parties agree to the following terms and conditions:

I. Definitions and Interpretations

A. Definitions

  1. "Caterer" refers to [Your Company Name], including all its employees, contractors, and agents, who are responsible for providing the BBQ catering services outlined in this contract. The Caterer ensures the quality of food preparation, timely delivery, setup, and cleanup services.

  2. "Client" refers to the individual, company, or entity requesting BBQ catering services. This term encompasses the person or entity signing this contract and requesting services from the Caterer.

  3. "Event" refers to the specific occasion, party, or gathering at which catering services are required. The Event includes any relevant activities or social functions, such as birthdays, weddings, corporate events, or public festivals.

  4. "Menu" refers to the list of food items agreed upon by both the Client and the Caterer. This can include standard BBQ fare or customized dishes based on the Client’s preferences. The final menu must be agreed upon in writing and finalized prior to the Event.

  5. "Payment Schedule" refers to the timeline and manner in which payments are to be made under this Contract. This will outline the amounts, due dates, and acceptable methods of payment.

B. Interpretations

  1. Any singular term shall include its plural form, and vice versa. For example, if "Guest" is used, it may apply to either one guest or multiple guests.

  2. The headings used in this Contract are for convenience purposes only and shall not affect the interpretation of any terms or conditions. The Contract is binding regardless of the title or label used for each section.

  3. If any provision of this Contract is found to be unenforceable or invalid, the remainder of the Contract will remain in full force and effect.

II. Scope of Services

A. Catering Services

  1. Food Preparation and Delivery
    The Caterer is responsible for the preparation of all BBQ foods, as specified in the finalized menu. This includes sourcing high-quality ingredients, cooking, and ensuring the food is fresh upon delivery. The Caterer will use only the finest cuts of meat, produce, and ingredients available to ensure a superior dining experience for all guests. Delivery of the food will be done on the day of the Event, within the specified timeframe, ensuring that all items arrive fresh and at the correct temperature.


    The Caterer will deliver the prepared food to the Event location at the agreed-upon time. If any delays are expected, the Caterer will notify the Client in advance. In case of unforeseen circumstances such as traffic or weather-related issues, the Caterer will make every effort to mitigate delays and communicate promptly.

  2. Setup and Service
    The Caterer will provide all necessary equipment for the preparation, grilling, and serving of the BBQ food. This includes, but is not limited to, grills, serving tables, serving utensils, and heat-maintaining equipment. In addition to the food, the Caterer will provide staff for setup, food service, and post-event cleanup. The staff will ensure that the food is served in an organized manner, maintain cleanliness throughout the event, and manage any service-related needs, such as replenishing food or responding to guest requests.


    The setup will be conducted prior to the start of the Event, ensuring that all service areas are well-organized and aesthetically pleasing. The Caterer will also make sure that any special equipment or additional requests are accounted for, such as vegan or gluten-free stations, and that dietary preferences or restrictions are honored.

  3. Cleanup
    After the conclusion of the Event, the Caterer will oversee the breakdown of all catering-related equipment, including grills, serving areas, and any other rental items provided. All food scraps and waste will be disposed of according to local environmental standards, and the venue will be left in a clean and orderly condition. The Caterer will also return any borrowed equipment in good condition. Cleanup is an essential part of the service, and the Caterer is responsible for ensuring that no leftover food or trash remains behind.

B. Menu Options

  1. Standard Menu
    The standard BBQ menu provided by the Caterer includes a variety of traditional BBQ dishes that are universally loved. This menu typically includes items such as burgers, hot dogs, grilled ribs, chicken, and a selection of sides such as coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, and cornbread. The Client may select these standard offerings or choose from a list of additional options for customizing the menu to meet specific tastes or dietary needs.


    The standard BBQ menu is designed to appeal to a broad audience and is suitable for a variety of events, from casual family gatherings to corporate picnics. The Client will be provided with a list of items within the standard menu, allowing them to choose based on guest preferences. The Caterer can also provide serving suggestions to make the meal more engaging or upscale depending on the type of Event.

  2. Customized Menu
    The Caterer is happy to work with the Client to develop a custom menu tailored to their specific tastes and dietary preferences. This includes the option to add gourmet BBQ options, specialty meats (such as wagyu beef or organic chicken), and vegetarian or vegan-friendly dishes. Custom menus may also include international BBQ flavors, such as Latin, Mediterranean, or Asian-inspired dishes.


    Special dietary requests such as gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and halal or kosher meals can also be accommodated with adequate notice. It is important for the Client to provide all necessary dietary information at least [14] days before the Event to ensure proper planning and food preparation. Customization requests may incur an additional cost depending on the complexity of the request, and these adjustments should be discussed with the Caterer prior to finalizing the menu.

III. Event Details

A. Date and Time

  1. Event Date: The Client will specify the date on which the Event will take place. The date must be confirmed by both parties, and the Caterer will ensure that all preparations are made for this specific date. If the date is changed, it may affect availability, and the Client should notify the Caterer as soon as possible to confirm new arrangements.

  2. Start Time: The event start time will be determined based on the time the Client expects guests to arrive. The Caterer will ensure that all food and services are ready and available at this time.

  3. End Time: The end time for the Event should be agreed upon in advance, especially if the catering services are to be provided in intervals or throughout the day. The Caterer will work with the Client to ensure that the BBQ meal is served at the optimum time for maximum enjoyment.

B. Location

The Event location will be specified in the Contract, including the venue’s name, address, and any necessary details about the site (e.g., indoor/outdoor setup, power sources, etc.). The Client must ensure that the location is accessible and that the necessary permissions, if any, have been obtained for the Caterer to operate at the site.

C. Number of Guests

  1. The Client guarantees a minimum attendance of [50] guests and agrees to provide a final guest count no later than [7] days before the Event.

  2. A guest count estimate should be provided as early as possible to assist the Caterer in making the necessary arrangements, including the quantity of food, staff requirements, and equipment needs. The final guest count provided [7] days prior to the Event will serve as the basis for the final cost, and this number will be considered binding.

  3. If the final guest count is higher or lower than originally anticipated, the final payment will be adjusted accordingly. The Client will be responsible for any increase in guest numbers and any associated costs.

IV. Payment Terms

A. Service Fees

  1. The total cost for catering services will depend on several factors, including the menu selected, the number of guests, additional services requested (such as staff or special equipment), and any customization options chosen by the Client.

  2. The final payment is calculated based on the choices made in the menu and any additional services. The estimated costs for various services are provided below in the form of a breakdown, allowing the Client to have a transparent view of the pricing structure.

Service Description

Estimated Cost

Base BBQ Menu (per guest)

$20

Premium Add-ons (per guest)

$5-$15

Staff Service (per staff)

$200

Equipment Rental

$300

B. Deposit and Payment Schedule

  1. Deposit
    A deposit of $[500] is required upon signing this contract to secure the Event date and initiate preparations. This deposit is non-refundable but will be applied toward the total amount due.

  2. Final Payment
    The remaining balance, based on the finalized guest count and any additional services, is due [7] days before the Event. Payment should be made via check, credit card, or bank transfer, as agreed between the Caterer and Client.

C. Late Payment

Late payment fees of $[50] per day will be incurred if the balance is not paid by the specified due date. The Caterer reserves the right to withhold services or cancel the Event if payments are not made according to the agreed schedule.

V. Responsibilities

A. Caterer's Responsibilities

The Caterer agrees to:

  1. Ensure timely delivery and setup of food, equipment, and staff.

  2. Maintain food quality and safety standards, ensuring that all food is cooked and handled according to health and safety regulations.

  3. Provide professional staff for food service and cleanup, if agreed upon.

  4. Offer customer support and respond to any questions or issues the Client may have leading up to and during the Event.

B. Client's Responsibilities

The Client agrees to:

  1. Confirm the guest count, menu selection, and any additional requirements (such as staff, equipment, or dietary preferences) no later than [7] days before the Event.

  2. Provide adequate access to the Event location, including any utilities needed (e.g., power sources, water access).

  3. Inform the Caterer of any restrictions, such as venue policies or local regulations that may impact catering services.

  4. Ensure that all necessary permits and permissions are obtained for the Event.

VI. Cancellation and Refund Policy

A. Client-Initiated Cancellation

  1. If the Client cancels the Event:

    • More than [30] days before the Event: Full refund of the deposit.

    • Between [15-30] days before the Event: [50]% of the deposit is refundable.

    • Less than [15] days before the Event: The deposit is non-refundable.

B. Caterer-Initiated Cancellation

In the rare event the Caterer must cancel due to unforeseen circumstances, such as illness, equipment failure, or other emergencies, the Client will receive a full refund of all payments made. The Caterer will make every effort to avoid such cancellations and will work to find a suitable alternative solution if needed.

VII. Indemnification and Liability

A. Caterer's Liability

  1. The Caterer will ensure that all food is properly prepared, handled, and stored according to safety standards. However, the Caterer is not responsible for any adverse reactions to food caused by undisclosed allergies or intolerances.

  2. The Caterer is not responsible for delays caused by unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, traffic issues, or other factors outside its control. If delays are expected, the Caterer will notify the Client promptly.

B. Client's Liability

  1. The Client agrees to indemnify the Caterer against any claims or damages resulting from accidents, injuries, or other incidents occurring due to negligence by the Client, their guests, or the venue.

  2. The Client is responsible for any damages to equipment or property caused by their guests during the Event.

VIII. Confidentiality

Both the Client and the Caterer agree to maintain confidentiality regarding the terms and conditions of this Contract, as well as any proprietary information that may be shared during the planning and execution of the Event. Confidentiality is critical to protecting the interests of both parties and ensuring that any sensitive information, including menu selections, event details, pricing, and personal client information, is not disclosed to third parties without explicit written consent.

A. Obligations of the Parties

  1. Caterer’s Obligation
    The Caterer will keep all Client information, including personal details, guest counts, dietary preferences, and special requests, confidential. This information will be used solely for the purposes of catering the Event and will not be shared with any external parties unless required by law.

  2. Client’s Obligation
    Similarly, the Client agrees not to disclose any confidential pricing, terms, or other proprietary aspects of the services provided by the Caterer to third parties without prior written consent. This is especially important when discussing vendor partnerships or using elements of the services as part of public marketing materials.

B. Breach of Confidentiality

If either party breaches the confidentiality agreement, they will be subject to legal action and liable for any damages caused as a result of the breach. Both parties acknowledge that confidentiality is a vital aspect of this Contract, and a breach could cause significant harm to business reputations, operational security, and trust.

IX. Dispute Resolution

A. Negotiation

The parties agree to attempt to resolve any disputes through good-faith negotiations before taking any further action. In the event of a disagreement, the Client and Caterer will first engage in a meeting or communication to attempt to resolve the issue amicably. Both parties agree to act in good faith, keeping communication open and transparent to avoid unnecessary delays or misunderstandings.

  1. Resolution Timeline
    The parties will have [14] business days to resolve any issues or disputes through negotiations. If the issue is not resolved within this period, the dispute will proceed to the next stage of resolution.

  2. Mediation
    If negotiations fail, the parties may choose to resolve the dispute through mediation, where a neutral third-party mediator facilitates a conversation to find a mutually acceptable solution. Mediation can be a quicker and less expensive alternative to formal legal proceedings.

B. Arbitration

If a dispute cannot be resolved through negotiation or mediation, the parties agree to submit the matter to binding arbitration. Arbitration is a formal process in which an arbitrator (usually a retired judge or experienced mediator) makes a final decision regarding the dispute. The decision of the arbitrator will be legally binding.

  1. Arbitration Venue and Procedure
    The arbitration will be held in [Your City], [Your State], and will follow the rules of the [Your State] Arbitration Association. The arbitrator will be selected by mutual agreement of both parties.

  2. Costs of Arbitration
    Each party will bear its own legal costs associated with the arbitration. The costs of the arbitrator and any related fees will be shared equally by both the Client and the Caterer.

X. Termination Clause

This Contract may be terminated by mutual agreement of both parties or upon a material breach of its terms. If either party fails to perform any material obligation under this Contract and such failure is not cured within [10] business days of receiving written notice of the breach, the non-breaching party may terminate the Contract. Termination will be effective upon written notification from the terminating party.

A. Termination by the Client

  1. Failure of Service
    The Client may terminate the Contract if the Caterer fails to perform essential services as outlined, such as timely delivery of food or provision of staff. However, the Client must provide the Caterer with written notice of the issues and allow [10] business days to correct the problem.

  2. Refunds on Termination
    If the Client terminates the Contract due to the Caterer’s failure to perform, a full refund of any paid amounts will be issued.

B. Termination by the Caterer

  1. Force Majeure
    The Caterer may terminate the Contract if circumstances beyond their control, such as extreme weather, natural disasters, acts of terrorism, or other significant disruptions, prevent the Caterer from fulfilling their obligations.

  2. Refund in Case of Caterer’s Termination
    If the Caterer terminates the Contract due to force majeure or other valid reasons, the Client will be refunded all payments made, including the deposit. The Caterer will also make reasonable efforts to find an alternative service provider if feasible, but the liability for failure to perform will remain with the Caterer.

XI. Additional Provisions

A. Force Majeure

  1. Definition
    Force majeure refers to any event or circumstance beyond the control of the parties that prevents or delays the performance of obligations under this Contract. This can include, but is not limited to, natural disasters (hurricanes, earthquakes, floods), wars, strikes, pandemics, government restrictions, or other unforeseen events that hinder the ability of the parties to meet their obligations.

  2. Responsibility and Notification
    In the event of force majeure, the affected party must notify the other party as soon as reasonably possible. The affected party will not be liable for damages due to the delay or failure to perform obligations under this Contract caused by such events.

  3. Post-Event Responsibilities
    If force majeure prevents the Event from occurring, the parties will attempt to reschedule the Event. If rescheduling is not possible, the Client will receive a refund for payments already made, minus any non-refundable costs incurred by the Caterer, such as vendor deposits or specialized ingredient purchases.

B. Entire Agreement

  1. Incorporation of Terms
    This Contract constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the catering services provided for the Event. It supersedes any prior agreements, representations, or understandings, whether written or verbal, regarding the subject matter.

  2. Amendments
    Any amendments or changes to this Contract must be made in writing and signed by both parties. This ensures that both parties agree to the changes and that there is a clear record of the agreed-upon alterations.

XII. Signature Page

A. Caterer's Signature

[Your Company Name]

Name: [Your Name]
Title:                               
Date:                               

B. Client's Signature

[Your Client Name]

Name:                              
Date:                              

BBQ Templates @ Template.net