Start a banquet hall with in-house catering

Couples, families, community groups, charities and companies booking a private event.

A hire fee per event plus per-guest catering packages, with extras such as décor, bar service, AV equipment and cleaning.

• Event planning and organizing
• Managing suppliers and staff
• Sales and customer service
• Basic budgeting and cash flow

• Zoning, occupancy limits and fire code approval: check with your municipality and fire department before signing a lease
• Food premises permit and inspections from your local public health unit
• Liquor licensing differs by province, so check your provincial regulator and whether clients can use special occasion permits
• Commercial general liability insurance, and possibly liquor liability cover
• Music licensing fees for events: check the requirements for public performance of music
• Accessibility requirements for washrooms and entrances
• Fit-out and rent are paid whether or not you have bookings, and demand is seasonal (summer and fall weddings, winter holiday parties)
• WCB/WSIB registration once you hire staff, with rules varying by province

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $50,000 to $250,000, depending on the size of the hall, fit-out and kitchen equipment. Fit-out and rent are due whether or not you have bookings, so plan your cash flow.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on how many events you host and your catering offer. Demand is seasonal, with summer and fall weddings and winter holiday parties.

Check zoning, occupancy limits and fire code approval before signing a lease, plus food premises permits, provincial liquor licensing and music licensing fees. Also check insurance, accessibility requirements and WCB or WSIB registration once you hire staff.