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Catering Contract

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Catering Contract Page of
Page of

CATERING CONTRACT

THIS CATERING CONTRACT (the "Agreement") is dated this ________ day of ________________, ________.

Client

____________________________________________________
(the "Client")

Caterer

____________________________________________________
(the "Caterer")
  1. BACKGROUND
  2. The Client requires catering for a single event (the "Event") and is of the opinion that the Caterer has the necessary qualifications, experience and abilities to provide catering services to the Client.
  3. The Caterer is agreeable to providing such catering services to the Client on the terms and conditions set out in this Agreement.

IN CONSIDERATION OF the matters described above and of the mutual benefits and obligations set forth in this Agreement, the receipt and sufficiency of which consideration is hereby acknowledged, the Client and the Caterer (individually the "Party" and collectively the "Parties" to this Agreement) agree as follows:

  1. Services Provided
  2. The Client hereby agrees to engage the Caterer to provide the Client with the following catering services (the "Services"):
    1. _______________________________________________________________
      _______________________________________________________________.

  3. The venue for the Event and delivery of the Services is:
    • _______________________________________________________________
      _______________________________________________________________.

  4. The time for the Event and delivery of the Services is:
    • _______________________________________________________________
      _______________________________________________________________.

  5. The Services will also include any other catering tasks which the Parties may agree on. The Caterer hereby agrees to provide such Services to the Client.
  6. Term of Agreement
  7. This Agreement is of full force and effect from the date of this Agreement until the Event is over.
  8. Performance
  9. The Parties agree to do everything necessary to ensure that the terms of this Agreement take effect.
  10. Currency
  11. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, all monetary amounts referred to in this Agreement are in CAD (Canadian Dollars).
  12. Compensation
  13. The Caterer will charge the Client a flat fee of $0.00 for the Services (the "Compensation").
  14. The Client will be invoiced when the Services are complete.
  15. Invoices submitted by the Caterer to the Client are due within 30 days of receipt.
  16. In the event that this Agreement is terminated by the Client prior to completion of the Services but where the Services have been partially performed, the Caterer will be entitled to pro rata payment of the Compensation to the date of termination provided that there has been no breach of contract on the part of the Caterer.
  17. The Compensation as stated in this Agreement does not include sales tax, or other applicable duties as may be required by law. Any sales tax and duties required by law will be charged to the Client in addition to the Compensation.
  18. Confidentiality
  19. Confidential information (the "Confidential Information") refers to any data or information relating to either Party, whether business or personal, which would reasonably be considered to be private or proprietary to the owning Party and that is not generally known and where the release of that Confidential Information could reasonably be expected to cause harm to the owning Party.
  20. The Parties each agree that they will not disclose, divulge, reveal, report or use, for any purpose, any Confidential Information belonging to the other Party which they have obtained through the operation of the Agreement, except as authorized by that Party or as required by law. The obligations of confidentiality will apply during the term of this Agreement and will survive indefinitely upon termination of this Agreement.
  21. Ownership of Intellectual Property
  22. All intellectual property, including recipes, formulas or similar related material, including any trade secrets, moral rights, goodwill, relevant registrations or applications for registration, and rights in any patent, copyright, trademark, trade dress, industrial design and trade name (the "Intellectual Property") that is developed or produced under this Agreement, will be the sole property of the Client. The use of the Intellectual Property by the Client will not be restricted in any manner.
  23. The Caterer may not use the Intellectual Property for any purpose other than that contracted for in this Agreement except with the written consent of the Client. The Caterer will be responsible for any and all damages resulting from the unauthorized use of the Intellectual Property.
  24. Return of Property
  25. Upon the expiry or termination of this Agreement, the Caterer will return to the Client any property, documentation, records, or Confidential Information which is the property of the Client.
  26. Capacity/Independent Contractor
  27. In providing the Services under this Agreement it is expressly agreed that the Caterer is acting as an independent contractor and not as an employee. The Caterer and the Client acknowledge that this Agreement does not create a partnership or joint venture between them, and is exclusively a contract for service.
  28. Autonomy
  29. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the Caterer will have full control over working time, methods, and decision making in relation to provision of the Services in accordance with the Agreement. The Caterer will work autonomously and not at the direction of the Client. However, the Caterer will be responsive to the reasonable needs and concerns of the Client.
  30. Equipment
  31. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the Caterer will provide at the Caterer’s own expense, any and all foods and menu items, utensils, cutlery, tableware, napkins, workwear, and any other supplies necessary to deliver the Services in accordance with the Agreement.
  32. No Exclusivity
  33. The Parties acknowledge that this Agreement is non-exclusive and that either Party will be free, before or after the Event, to engage or contract with third parties for the provision of services similar to the Services.
  34. Notice
  35. All notices, requests, demands or other communications required or permitted by the terms of this Agreement will be given in writing and delivered to the Parties at the following addresses:
    1. ______________________
      ______________________________
    2. ______________________
      ______________________________

    or to such other address as either Party may from time to time notify the other.

  36. Indemnification
  37. Except to the extent paid in settlement from any applicable insurance policies, and to the extent permitted by applicable law, each Party agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the other Party, and its respective affiliates, officers, agents, employees, and permitted successors and assigns against any and all claims, losses, damages, liabilities, penalties, punitive damages, expenses, reasonable legal fees and costs of any kind or amount whatsoever, which result from or arise out of any act or omission of the indemnifying party, its respective affiliates, officers, agents, employees, and permitted successors and assigns that occurs in connection with this Agreement. This indemnification will survive the termination of this Agreement.
  38. Modification of Agreement
  39. Any amendment or modification of this Agreement or additional obligation assumed by either Party in connection with this Agreement will only be binding if evidenced in writing signed by each Party or an authorized representative of each Party.
  40. Time of the Essence
  41. Time is of the essence in this Agreement. No extension or variation of this Agreement will operate as a waiver of this provision.
  42. Assignment
  43. The Caterer will not voluntarily, or by operation of law, assign or otherwise transfer its obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Client.
  44. Entire Agreement
  45. It is agreed that there is no representation, warranty, collateral agreement or condition affecting this Agreement except as expressly provided in this Agreement.
  46. Enurement
  47. This Agreement will enure to the benefit of and be binding on the Parties and their respective heirs, executors, administrators and permitted successors and assigns.
  48. Titles/Headings
  49. Headings are inserted for the convenience of the Parties only and are not to be considered when interpreting this Agreement.
  50. Gender
  51. Words in the singular mean and include the plural and vice versa. Words in the masculine mean and include the feminine and vice versa.
  52. Governing Law
  53. This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Alberta.
  54. Severability
  55. In the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement are held to be invalid or unenforceable in whole or in part, all other provisions will nevertheless continue to be valid and enforceable with the invalid or unenforceable parts severed from the remainder of this Agreement.
  56. Waiver
  57. The waiver by either Party of a breach, default, delay or omission of any of the provisions of this Agreement by the other Party will not be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach of the same or other provisions.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the Parties have duly affixed their signatures under hand and seal on this ________ day of ________________, ________.

_______________________________
______________________ (Client)
_______________________________
______________________ (Caterer)
Catering Contract Page of
©2002-2025 LawDepot.ca®
Last Updated August 01, 2025

What is a Catering Contract?

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A Catering Contract is a Service Agreement between a caterer and their client. It outlines the terms of the agreement and the services provided. 

This contract is suitable when a caterer provides services for a single event or on an ongoing basis. Catering services may include providing food, drinks, tableware, linens, and service staff. 

When should a Catering Contract be used?

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A Catering Contract should be used at any event where hired food services are provided, whether by a catering company or a self-employed sole trader. This may include on-site catering, off-site catering, or a food truck rental.

Some common events that require catering services include: 

  • Weddings
  • Funerals
  • Family reunions
  • School events
  • Corporate events
  • Parties
  • Fundraisers 

Regardless of the industry or services requested, the Catering Contract should outline all details regarding the caterer and client's obligations.

Benefits of a Catering Contract

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A written Catering Contract that the caterer and client can reference in the event of a dispute is critical to ensuring the protection of both parties. 

Unfortunately, verbal agreements can easily be dismissed or misunderstood. Catering Contracts clearly outline all the terms and conditions, so both parties are clear on the services and the price of the agreement. Without a written and signed contract, it is difficult for either party to prove the original terms in case of a dispute. 

A Catering Contract gives either party leverage to insist the other party uphold their end of the arrangement. With a written, signed contract, it's much easier to establish the terms of the contract in court. Let’s break it down further by looking at each party’s benefits:

Client benefits

A Catering Contract benefits the client by achieving the following:

  • Sets clear expectations of the services 
  • Ensures the discussed price is adhered to without additional costs
  • Offers legal protection in the event of a disagreement 

Suppose a couple spends months planning their wedding, finally settles on a caterer, and pays a 25% deposit without signing a Catering Contract. On the wedding day, the caterer doesn’t show up or return the deposit. The couple is now out a substantial amount of money without proof of the transaction.

With a Catering Contract, clients can prove that they’re owed their deposit. This can be especially helpful in cases where parties have to take legal action.

Caterer benefits

A Catering Contract benefits the caterer by achieving the following:

  • Outlines the menu so that they can prepare accordingly 
  • Provides payment protection and penalties if the payment terms are not upheld 
  • Clarifies event dates and guest numbers 
  • Provides legal protection

Imagine a caterer verbally agreeing to a flat fee for their services and trusting the client to pay the remaining amount after the event. After providing the food and event services, the client disputes the price and claims they owe much less than initially agreed. 

Without a Catering Contract, the caterer cannot prove that they were shorted for their hard work. Therefore, having a written agreement can protect the caterer’s interests, especially if they want to take legal action against the client.

How do I write a Catering Contract?

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LawDepot's straightforward, step-by-step questionnaire provides caterers or clients with a legally sound contract tailored to any event. The information required for a Catering Contract is as follows: 

Event and catering details 

Select the province where the service will be provided. LawDepot customizes the Catering Contract to reflect the province's requirements for when the agreement takes place. Provide the full address of the venue along with the time of the event. 

Describe the caterer’s services (e.g., prepare table settings, decorate the event space, supply catering rentals, and cook and serve the agreed-upon menu items). 

Some additional catering details you may wish to include are: 
Any specific menu requests 
Deadlines for menu changes 

Party details 

LawDepot’s questionnaire will prompt you to specify whether each party is an individual (i.e., self-employed sole trader) or another business structure (e.g., corporation or limited liability company). Then, include each party’s name and address. 

Payment information 

The Catering Contract must include all compensation details. Clearly outline: 

  • Whether the client will be billed by an hourly, weekly, monthly fe,e or a flat rate 
  • Whether a deposit is required and the total 
  • The deadline for payment and whether late payments will incur interest 

The deadline for payment is usually 15-30 days after the caterer sends the invoice. Interest rates may be requested on late payments. Reasonable late payment charges are up to 25% per year on unpaid sums. Legislation prohibits extortionate interest rates, even if both parties agree to them.

Cancellation rules

The contract should specify whether either party can cancel it and how much notice is required. With our template, all cancellations must be provided with written notice.

Most short-term contracts require seven days’ notice. Long-term contracts that last over a few months often require 15-30 days notice. 

Intellectual property and confidentiality terms 

Recipes provided for catered events can be classified as intellectual property. It’s important to specify whether the caterer or client has rights to the intellectual property. 

A confidentiality clause may also be added to the Catering Contract to ensure the privacy of any confidential information. 

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