How Do I Get Commercial Catering Business Contracts?
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- Aug 28, 2025
- 3 min read
If you're starting or growing a catering business, landing commercial catering contracts can be a game-changer. These contracts—whether for corporate events, recurring office lunches, or large-scale functions—offer consistent revenue and long-term growth opportunities. But how do you actually get them?
At Wexford Insurance, we specialize in helping catering businesses protect their operations with tailored insurance coverage. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to win commercial catering contracts and how to position your business for success.
1. Build a Professional Brand
Before you pitch to commercial clients, make sure your brand reflects professionalism and reliability. This includes:
A clean, mobile-friendly website
High-quality photos of past events
Clear service offerings and pricing
Testimonials or case studies
Build a Professional Brand with Contractor Back Office
Contractor Back Office helps catering businesses present a polished and credible image by managing websites, email & calendar management, and social media platforms. These tools make it easier to showcase your services, highlight past events, and build trust with commercial clients looking for reliable catering partners.
2. Network with Local Businesses and Event Planners
Commercial contracts often come from relationships. Attend:
Chamber of Commerce events
Local business expos
Wedding and event planning meetups
Introduce your services, offer tastings, and leave behind branded materials.
🔗 Read more: How catering can enhance networking
3. List Your Business on Catering Directories
Get found where businesses are already looking:
Make sure your listings are optimized with keywords like “corporate catering services” and “event catering near me.”
4. Offer Corporate-Friendly Packages
Businesses want simplicity and consistency. Create packages that include:
Menu options for different dietary needs
Setup and cleanup services
Recurring service discounts
Insurance coverage (this builds trust!)
🧠 Tip: Highlight your insurance coverage from Wexford Insurance to show you're prepared and professional.
5. Respond Quickly and Professionally to Inquiries
When a business reaches out, time is of the essence. Respond with:
A personalized message
A clear quote or proposal
Availability and next steps
Use proposal software or templates to streamline your process.
6. Get the Right Insurance to Win Bigger Contracts
Many commercial clients require proof of insurance before signing a contract. That’s where Wexford Insurance comes in. We specialize in catering business insurance for companies that serve weddings, corporate events, and special occasions.
Here are five types of insurance that help you win and keep commercial contracts:
Protects against claims of injury or property damage at events.
Covers vehicles used to transport food and equipment.
Covers damage to your kitchen, storage space, or office.
Covers employee injuries and lost wages.
Protects your catering gear from theft, damage, or loss.
Final Thoughts
Getting commercial catering contracts takes effort, strategy, and professionalism. From building your brand to networking and offering corporate-friendly packages, every step counts. And don’t forget—having the right insurance can be the difference between landing a deal and losing it.
Need help insuring your catering business?
Visit Wexford Insurance to explore our specialized insurance programs for catering professionals. Contact us at 317-942-0549
