When it comes to running a restaurant there are many requirements that need to be in place to protect the business, the owner, and the employees.
This is a risky and fast-paced business, and owners need multiple protections to keep up in this industry.
Among the many items an owner must manage, a few stand out as especially important —
1. The Business Plan
2. Business Licenses
3. Liquor License
The most stressful part of starting and operating a food or beverage business is often the insurance program. Restaurants typically need property insurance, general liability, workers' compensation, liquor liability, umbrella excess and other tailored coverages.
Chenango Brokers, LLC offers a Restaurant Insurance program designed specifically for independent agents and brokers placing hospitality risks. As a wholesale broker, we shop multiple markets to find competitive, comprehensive products tailored to a restaurant's exposures. Our underwriting team focuses on speed and clarity so you can move accounts quickly and confidently.
Let us step up to the plate. We will identify appropriate carriers and coverage options based on your client’s operations, size and exposures, then provide a timely quote and responsive servicing.
Available Coverages:
Target Classes:
Ideal Accounts and Appetite
- Small-to-medium restaurants, quick service and full-service dining establishments.
- Neighborhood bars, taverns and pizzerias that hold a liquor license and require liquor liability or liquor legal protection.
- Bakery, deli and takeout operations with typical exposures (cooking equipment, slip-and-fall, delivery).
- Franchised and non-franchised single-location risks; multi-location accounts considered on a case-by-case basis.
Coverage Highlights and Advantages
- Access to Business Owners Policies (BOP) that combine property and liability limits appropriate for restaurants.
- Liquor liability and liquor legal coverage options for on-premise alcohol exposures, plus liquor bonds where required.
- Workers' compensation solutions and umbrella/excess follow-form capacity to broaden limits.
- Wholesale broker placement — multiple carrier options and tailored submissions to match underwriting appetite.
Underwriting Notes and Minimum Premiums
Underwriters will evaluate typical restaurant exposures such as cooking operations, hood suppression systems, alcohol service, delivery operations, and liquor sales percentage. High-risk features (e.g., nightclubs with live entertainment, large-capacity event venues, rooftop bars) may require specialized underwriting or additional exclusions.
Minimum premium: Varies by carriers and products. Specific minimums depend on the carrier selected and the state where the business operates.
Territories and Availability
Chenango Brokers' Restaurant Insurance program is available in the following states: AL, AZ, CT, FL, GA, IL, MD, NV, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, TX, VA, WA. Some coverages and carriers are offered on admitted paper in select states and non-admitted in others — availability varies by product and state.
*Please note that not all of our carriers and products are available in every state.
Examples of Good Fits
- You have a single-location pizzeria with on-premise dining and delivery service seeking a BOP with liquor liability — this program can provide combined property/liability options and liquor coverage that suits that risk.
- A neighborhood bar with a full liquor license that needs liquor legal protection and umbrella limits — we can submit to carriers that underwrite bar exposures and liquor-related legal defense.
Why Place Restaurant Business with Chenango Brokers, LLC?
- Wholesale broker expertise: we present to multiple admitted and non-admitted markets to secure competitive terms.
- Hospitality-focused underwriting and flexible placement options for typical restaurant exposures.
- Responsive service and prompt quoting so you can close business faster for your insureds.
- Guidance on which coverages to include by class (e.g., liquor legal for bars, BOP for restaurants, workers' comp for staffed operations).
No matter how big or small the risk — we will write it!
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of restaurant accounts are a good fit for this program?
Small-to-medium single-location restaurants, pizzerias, delis, bakeries, takeouts, and neighborhood bars/taverns are the primary targets. Franchised and non-franchised locations are eligible; larger or specialty-nightclub risks are considered case-by-case.
Which coverages can I place through Chenango Brokers' Restaurant Insurance program?
You can place Business Owners Policies, lessor risk, liquor bonds, workers' compensation, and liquor legal coverage (either stand-alone or as an endorsement to a BOP), depending on the target class and carrier appetite.
How quickly can I expect a quote and what do you need to submit?
Chenango Brokers focuses on fast, clear underwriting responses. Typical submissions should include a completed application, loss runs, ACORDs, and details on liquor sales, hood suppression systems, payroll and any high-risk exposures. Exact turnaround varies by carrier and complexity.
Are coverages admitted or non-admitted?
Both admitted and non-admitted options are used. Availability depends on the product and state — some coverages are available on admitted paper in select states and non-admitted in others. Check state availability when submitting.
What is the minimum premium?
Minimum premium varies by carrier and product. Specific minimums are determined during carrier selection based on the insured’s class, exposure and state.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.