F&B Minimum
The required minimum spend on food and beverage at a venue, ensuring venues cover costs while guaranteeing event profitability.
Definition
An F&B (food and beverage) minimum is the amount a client must spend on catering to use a venue. If actual F&B spending falls short, the client pays the difference. Minimums ensure venues generate adequate revenue from events.
F&B minimums vary by day, time, and season. Weeknights and off-peak periods often have lower minimums than prime weekend dates.
Why It Matters
F&B minimums significantly impact event budgets. Understanding minimums helps select appropriate venues and avoid overspending to meet requirements.
Negotiating minimums can substantially reduce event costs.
Examples in Practice
A hotel ballroom with a $25,000 F&B minimum for Saturday evening events.
Applying beverage packages and late-night snacks toward meeting F&B minimums.
Negotiating lower minimums in exchange for longer event commitments or off-peak dates.