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What are the key risks in the café and restaurant sector?
The café and restaurant sector is dynamic, with owners and operators busy juggling the plates and spinning the bottles required in the day-to-day management of such a fast-paced industry. Whether you’re running a café, restaurant or catering business, some of the key risks you face include protecting your staff from workplace accidents, your property and business assets from theft, accidental damage, fire and weather-related risks, plus taking reasonable steps to ensure the safety of your customers at your premises and the safety of the products you’re serving them. Depending on the conditions of your lease, you maybe require to have a minimum amount of insurance for public liability and glass cover.
“Australia’s café, restaurant and catering sector turns over more than $37 billion each year and employs 450,000 people, with more than 93% of businesses employing less than 19 people.”
Restaurant and Catering Association, 2020 Industry Benchmarking Report
Who should consider insurance?
Whether you’re running a small café or a restaurant chain, as an industry with complex risks where no two businesses are alike, a range of flexible and customised insurance covers are required to protect your business, staff, assets and customers.
Did you know?
What insurance should you take out - and what can it cover?
Insurance can protect you and your employees onsite, on the way to work and at work.
Limits, excesses and exclusions
Policy exclusions, the excesses you need to pay and limits of liability can vary greatly depending on your insurer and the requirements of your business.
Case Study
Joe runs a small café in bayside Melbourne. He opens the business one Friday morning only to discover that during the night the compressor of his commercial refrigerator had failed, causing the temperature to rise to 26 degrees. Thankfully, Joe had business pack insurance that included equipment breakdown, which covered both the cost of repairs to his refrigerator and the value of the spoiled food he had to throw out.
The Bottom Line
Running a successful café or restaurant requires more than just great food and service – it demands comprehensive protection against a wide range of risks. With the sector employing hundreds of thousands of Australians and generating billions in revenue, having the right insurance coverage isn't just a legal requirement – it's a crucial investment in your business's future. By understanding your specific risks and working with an insurance professional to tailor coverage to your needs, you can focus on what you do best: creating exceptional dining experiences for your customers. From equipment breakdown to public liability, the right insurance coverage provides peace of mind and financial protection when you need it most, as Joe's case study demonstrates.
