Restaurant & Brewery Insurance

Business Insurance for Restaurants, Bars & Breweries

Running a restaurant, bar, or brewery comes with unique risks — from slip-and-fall accidents and liquor liability to kitchen fires and food spoilage. Standard business insurance often isn't enough for food and beverage operations. At Midwest Insurance Partners, we specialize in building comprehensive coverage programs that protect your investment, your staff, and your customers.

Whether you operate a small diner, a craft brewery, a bar and grill, or a full-service restaurant, we shop multiple carriers to find the right coverage at a competitive price.

Coverage Types We Offer:

• General Liability — Covers bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury claims from customers and third parties.

• Liquor Liability — Protects your business if an intoxicated patron causes injury or damage after being served alcohol.

• Liquor License Bond — Required in many states to obtain or maintain your liquor license.

• Commercial Property — Covers your building, equipment, furniture, and inventory against fire, theft, and other covered losses.

• Business Interruption — Replaces lost income if you're forced to close temporarily due to a covered loss.

• Workers' Compensation — Covers medical bills and lost wages for employees injured on the job.

• Food Spoilage & Contamination — Covers the cost of spoiled inventory due to equipment breakdown or power outages.

• Commercial Auto — Covers delivery vehicles and any vehicles used for business purposes.

• Cyber Liability — Protects against data breaches and cyber attacks on your POS and reservation systems.

• Commercial Umbrella — Provides extra liability coverage above your primary limits for major claims.

Who We Insure:

• Full-Service Restaurants

• Fast Casual & Quick Service Restaurants

• Bars & Taverns

• Craft Breweries & Taprooms

• Wineries & Distilleries

• Food Trucks

• Catering Companies

• Coffee Shops & Cafes

• Bakeries & Specialty Food Shops

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Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at brian@thesturgillagency.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Is liquor liability insurance required for restaurants and bars?

Most states that allow the sale of alcohol require businesses to carry liquor liability insurance (also known as dram shop insurance) as a condition of their liquor license. Even where it isn't legally required, it is essential protection. If a customer becomes intoxicated at your establishment and later injures themselves or someone else, your business can be held liable under dram shop laws. A liquor liability policy covers legal defense costs, judgments, and settlements arising from these situations. Midwest Insurance Partners helps restaurants, bars, and breweries find the right coverage at the right price.

Does food spoilage insurance cover my restaurant if the refrigerator breaks down?

Yes — food spoilage and contamination coverage is specifically designed to protect restaurants, bars, and food service businesses when inventory is lost due to equipment breakdown, power outages, or accidental contamination. Standard commercial property insurance often excludes spoiled food, so a separate food spoilage endorsement or rider is important. This coverage reimburses you for the cost of lost inventory including perishable ingredients, prepared food, and beverages. It can be added to your commercial property policy or your business owner's policy (BOP).

Do tipped employees count toward my workers' compensation requirements?

Yes — in most states, all employees including tipped workers (servers, bartenders, bussers) must be covered under workers' compensation insurance. Restaurants and bars often overlook part-time and seasonal staff, which can lead to significant penalties and lawsuits. Workers' comp covers medical treatment and a portion of lost wages if an employee is injured on the job — whether it's a kitchen burn, a slip on a wet floor, or a back injury from lifting. Midwest Insurance Partners can help you find workers' comp policies that fit the unpredictable staffing schedules common in the food service industry.

How much does restaurant or brewery insurance cost?

Insurance costs for restaurants and breweries vary widely based on factors like your location, square footage, annual revenue, number of employees, and coverage types. A small cafe or coffee shop might pay $1,500–$3,000 per year for a business owner's policy, while a full-service restaurant with a liquor license could pay $5,000–$20,000 or more annually when including liquor liability, workers' comp, and property coverage. Craft breweries and taprooms with on-site taprooms typically have higher premiums due to liquor-related exposures. Contact Midwest Insurance Partners for a free quote tailored to your specific operation.

Restaurant & Brewery Insurance

Business Insurance for Restaurants, Bars & Breweries

Frequently Asked Questions

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