Top Independent Restaurant Insurance Agencies in Buffalo, NY (2025)
Owning a restaurant in Buffalo means navigating a minefield of risks: kitchen fires, slip-and-falls, spoiled inventory, liquor liabilities, delivery exposures, and more. Your insurance partner shouldn’t be a generalist—your restaurant deserves an agency that lives and breathes hospitality.
In this guide, we rank the top local independent insurance agencies in Buffalo / Western New York that specialize in or actively serve restaurant and bar businesses. Our aim: help restaurateurs find the right partner, not just the cheapest policy.
Scores are based on:
Niche specialization in hospitality / restaurant coverage
Breadth of restaurant-specific offerings (liquor liability, spoilage, delivery auto, etc.)
Strength of local presence and reputation
Carrier access and flexibility
Client reviews and satisfaction
Experience in the restaurant / hospitality sector
Top Restaurant Insurance Agencies — Buffalo, NY (2025)
A ranked comparison of independent insurance agencies serving restaurants in Buffalo. Scored across Niche Focus, Coverage Depth, Local Presence, Carrier Access, Client Ratings, and Hospitality Experience, with a cumulative Total Score.
| Rank | Agency | Niche Focus | Coverage Depth | Local Presence | Carrier Access | Client Ratings | Hospitality Experience | Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Larsen Insurance / NYRestaurantInsurance | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 28 |
| 2 | Promark Partners Insurance | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 27 |
| 3 | The Decker Agency, Inc. | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 27 |
| 4 | Evans Insurance Agency | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 27 |
| 5 | Lawley Insurance | 3 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 26 |
| 6 | Wolf Agency, Inc. | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 26 |
| 7 | Walsh Duffield Companies | 3 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 25 |
| 8 | Clauss & Company | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 25 |
| 9 | K.L. Hudson Insurance Agency | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 25 |
| 10 | New Buffalo Insurance Agency | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 22 |
Agency Profiles & Specialties
1. Larsen Insurance / NYRestaurantInsurance
Overview: Larsen Insurance operates a dedicated restaurant and bar microsite — NYRestaurantInsurance.com — specifically for hospitality businesses in New York State. That demonstrates they aren’t merely dabbling in the restaurant niche; it’s a core business vertical. The site is branded, tailored, and optimized for restaurant owners seeking specialized coverage.
Services & Strengths
Full menu of coverages: property, general liability, liquor liability, workers’ comp, food contamination / spoilage, delivery & non-owned auto, business interruption, and more.
As an independent broker, they shop among multiple carriers to balance cost and protection.
Because Tom Larsen (the founder) is a former restaurateur, the agency possesses real insider understanding of hospitality risk dynamics.
Strong local reputation: dozens of 5-star reviews from restaurant and bar clients.
The microsite enhances SEO and discoverability, making Larsen more visible to restaurants across New York, not just Buffalo.
Positioning Note: For a Buffalo restaurant owner, choosing Larsen / NYRestaurantInsurance means choosing a partner who speaks your language, anticipates your risks, and has a portfolio built around your industry—not just retrofitting commercial policies.
2. Promark Partners Insurance
Overview: A longtime independent agency in Western NY with multiple offices, Promark markets a dedicated Restaurant, Bar & Tavern insurance program. Their emphasis is on specialization and proactive risk management.
Strengths & Offerings
Broad coverage: property, liability, liquor liability, spoilage, employee dishonesty, business interruption.
Access to national specialty programs thanks to carrier relationships.
Reputation for responsiveness, especially with business clients who value partnership over just policy placement.
Strong testimonials praising their deep knowledge of restaurant exposures.
3. The Decker Agency, Inc.
Overview: A Buffalo institution since 1953, Decker is a trusted commercial agency that actively serves restaurants and bars.
Strengths & Offerings
Customization: Decker agents consult on location risks, clientele, and operational details to tailor coverage.
Full set of exposures addressed: general liability, liquor, business interruption, workers’ comp, auto, crime, and more.
Member of Trusted Choice, giving access to multiple carrier markets.
High praise in customer reviews for clarity, trustworthiness, and proactive service.
4. Evans Insurance Agency
Overview: Part of Evans Bank’s financial services arm, this agency has a century of service in WNY and emphasizes industry-specific insurance solutions, including restaurants.
Strengths & Offerings
Recognizes that restaurants require nearly every type of insurance line available.
Covers property, auto, liability, liquor, umbrella, workers’ comp, and often niche add-ons (e.g., contingent business interruption, spoilage).
Scale and resources allow them to offer risk management and claims advocacy services.
Strong community trust and cross-sell opportunities (clients often bank and insure in one place).
5. Lawley Insurance
Overview: Lawley is a high-capacity regional broker headquartered in Buffalo. They cover many industries, but maintain a hospitality practice within their commercial division.
Strengths & Offerings
Expert teams in risk management, claims advocacy, and commercial services.
Ability to secure specialty or high-limit policies for larger restaurant groups (hotel/restaurant combos, branding chains).
Combined service offerings (insurance + employee benefits) make them appealing to growing enterprises.
Reputation as a top regional broker, backed by awards and scale.
Consideration for smaller restaurants: While Lawley can serve any restaurant, a one-location brunch spot might feel more “desk space” than priority—if they’re not proactive about hospitality accounts.
6. Wolf Agency, Inc.
Overview: A local agency based in Orchard Park, Wolf Agency emphasizes a personal, responsive approach combined with full coverage capability.
Strengths & Offerings
Marketed restaurant insurance clearly on their site, covering food spoilage, crime, liability, delivery exposures, etc.
Small enough to offer highly personalized service, large enough to access a variety of carriers.
Decades of trusted local service; clients often praise communication, accessibility, and knowledge.
7. Walsh Duffield Companies
Overview: One of Buffalo’s oldest independent agencies (founded in 1860), Walsh Duffield offers full commercial insurance with deep local roots.
Strengths & Offerings
Stability, reputation, and extensive carrier access.
Ability to underwrite large/complex hospitality operations (restaurants with attached banquet halls, hotel + restaurant combos).
High integrity, client education, and risk advisory services.
Though not focused solely on restaurants, their capabilities make them a viable option for restaurateurs seeking a trusted, local heavyweight.
8. Clauss & Company Insurance Agency
Overview: A century-old Buffalo agency that serves all types of businesses, including restaurants as part of their commercial portfolio.
Strengths & Offerings
Longstanding client loyalty and excellent satisfaction ratings.
Good flexibility to shop different carriers and customize policies.
Hands-on service and willingness to work with small businesses intimately.
Less marketing buzz in the restaurant niche, but solid competence.
9. K.L. Hudson Insurance Agency
Overview: A more recent addition to Buffalo’s independent agency scene, K.L. Hudson is bold about targeting specialty businesses including restaurants.
Strengths & Offerings
Interactive “clickable coverage” content for restaurants (valet, liquor liability, business interruption, etc.).
Testimonials emphasize cost savings and excellent service.
Tech-forward and nimble; good option for restaurateurs who prefer modern communication and agility.
10. New Buffalo Insurance Agency
Overview: A young, modern independent agency pursuing innovation and clarity in insurance for small and growing businesses—including restaurants.
Strengths & Offerings
Clear, conversational restaurant insurance web page with hypothetical scenarios and explanations.
Covers general liability, workers’ compensation, property damage, crime, business interruption.
Good fit for food trucks, ghost kitchens, and new restaurants that appreciate transparency and responsive service.
Conclusion: Protecting Buffalo’s Restaurant Scene Through Specialized Coverage
Buffalo’s restaurant industry thrives on passion, resilience, and community — but it also faces some of the toughest insurance challenges in business. The agencies featured in this ranking represent the best of Western New York’s independent insurance expertise, helping restaurateurs secure protection tailored to their kitchens, bars, and dining rooms. From family-owned diners to multi-location restaurant groups, each agency brings a unique mix of hospitality knowledge, local roots, and coverage flexibility.
When selecting an insurance partner, consider what matters most to your operation: Do you need comprehensive liquor liability and food spoilage protection? Are delivery drivers or catering services part of your exposure? The leading agencies here — especially Larsen Insurance and its specialized division, NYRestaurantInsurance.com — understand the fine details that can make or break your risk management strategy.
Buffalo’s hospitality businesses deserve representation from partners who truly understand the industry. By working with one of these top-ranked agencies, your restaurant can operate with confidence — knowing your livelihood is protected, your policies are proactive, and your insurance strategy is built for long-term success.