Empire State Brokerage Services LLC offers a focused Food Service Insurance program designed for a broad range of food and beverage operations. With access to more than 10 insurance carriers, we provide agents and brokers flexible underwriting solutions and placement options. The program supports package and mono-line placements and offers core coverages—property, general liability, liquor liability and assault & battery—so your clients are protected from the most common operational risks in food service.
Ideal Accounts and Appetite
Our underwriters have a wide appetite for food-related risks. Typical classes that fit well include:
- Full-service and upscale restaurants, ethnic restaurants, diners, pizzerias, and luncheonettes
- Fast-food takeout operations, delis, food courts, rotisserie shops, and coffee shops
- Internet cafés, quick-service hamburger chains, falafel shops, and bakeries
- Grocery stores, small supermarkets, and catering firms
- Alcohol-serving venues such as bars, taverns, lounges, and nightclubs
If your client prepares or serves food or liquor for on- or off-premises consumption, there’s a strong chance we can help you place the account.
Coverage Highlights and Advantages
The program provides a comprehensive set of coverages tailored to the exposures common in the food service sector. Available protections include:
- Property and General Liability
- Liquor Law Liability
- Workers’ Compensation (mono-line available)
- Assault and Battery
- Non-Owned and Hired Auto Liability
Specialty coverages and extensions often available:
- Food Spoilage and Equipment Breakdown
- Loss of Income / Business Interruption
- Fire Legal Liability and Accounts Receivable
- Money & Securities and Employee Dishonesty
- Valuable Documents and Sprinkler Leakage
- Seasonal Variation Coverage
We can place accounts on ISO or manuscript occurrence policy forms. Umbrella and Excess GL layers are available when needed, and mono-line options exist for commercial auto and workers’ compensation.
Underwriting Notes and Minimum Premiums
Minimum premiums for smaller accounts start at $1,000, making the program accessible to many independent operators. Minimums for larger or more complex risks will vary based on exposures, revenue, payroll, and alcohol sales. Our underwriters will evaluate kitchen operations, food handling practices, liquor exposure, security measures, and loss history when assessing risk.
Territories and Availability
This program is available in CT, FL, GA, IN, MA, NJ, NY, PA, and RI. Most placements are written non-admitted through our excess & surplus lines carriers, depending on jurisdiction and the specific risk profile. We can discuss admitted options where they are available and appropriate.
Why Work With Empire State Brokerage Services LLC?
As an experienced excess & surplus lines broker, Empire State Brokerage Services LLC gives you access to a wide panel of markets that specialize in food service risks. We understand the operational nuances—kitchen exposures, liquor liability, late-hour operations—and offer responsive underwriting, competitive terms, and tailored coverage solutions. Whether you’re placing a neighborhood deli or a high-volume nightclub, we work with you to structure placement strategies that fit the account.
Example scenarios that fit our appetite:
- A family-owned pizzeria with dine-in and delivery needs property, GL and hired auto coverage—eligible for a package placement with food spoilage included.
- A medium-size bar/nightclub with higher liquor exposure seeking assault & battery, liquor liability, and excess GL—placement available through select E&S markets.
Let us help you expand your food and beverage book with a reliable, flexible market partner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of accounts are a good fit for this program?
This program is ideal for restaurants, bars, delis, catering firms, nightclubs, grocery stores, and other businesses that prepare or sell food or alcohol to consumers.
What coverages are available under this program?
Available coverages include property, general liability, liquor liability, workers’ compensation, assault and battery, food spoilage, business interruption, and other specialty extensions.
Is there a minimum premium requirement?
Yes. Minimum premiums for small accounts start at $1,000. Final premiums depend on the size, revenue, exposures, and the specific coverages requested.
In which states is this program available?
The program is available in CT, FL, GA, IN, MA, NJ, NY, PA, and RI.
Can I access mono-line coverage options?
Yes. Mono-line options are available for commercial auto and workers’ compensation where needed, in addition to package placements.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.