Open an açaí bowl and smoothie shop

Students, office workers, gym-goers, health-conscious locals and tourists passing by.

You sell each bowl or drink at a price well above its ingredient cost. Add-ons like extra toppings, protein boosts and combo deals raise the average sale. Some shops add delivery apps for extra orders.

• Food prep and hygiene
• Customer service
• Cost control and stock ordering
• Basic social media marketing

• Food premises permit and inspections from your local public health unit; check the layout and sink requirements before you sign a lease
• Food handler certification rules, which differ by province
• Commercial general liability insurance and property or contents cover
• Allergens such as nuts, dairy and gluten in toppings; check labelling rules and train staff
• Winter can mean fewer customers for cold products, so plan your cash flow and consider warm menu items
• Frozen açaí and some fruit prices can change, so check how that would affect your margins
• Quebec has French-language rules for signs and menus
• Register for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold, and check provincial sales tax rules

Estimated startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on the premises, fit-out, equipment and opening stock. Check layout and sink requirements before signing a lease, as they can affect your build-out costs.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $12,000 to $45,000, depending on location, menu and season. Winter can mean fewer customers for cold products, so plan your cash flow and consider warm menu items. Fruit and açaí prices can also change.

Check food premises permit and inspection requirements with your public health unit, food handler certification rules by province, insurance, allergen labelling and GST/HST registration. If you open in Quebec, French-language rules apply to signs and menus.