Bubble tea kiosk or market stall

Shoppers, market and festival visitors, and event-goers looking for a quick cold or hot drink.

Price per drink plus toppings. A short menu keeps prep fast, and busy weekends and events bring most of the sales.

• Customer service
• Working fast under pressure
• Basic food safety
• Event and stock planning

• Food permits for temporary or kiosk vendors usually differ from permanent shops, check with your public health unit
• Event organizers often ask for liability insurance, so get commercial general liability cover
• Access to water, power and cold storage at the site, which can limit what you serve
• Outdoor markets slow down in winter and bad weather, so plan for seasonal income
• Market fees or mall kiosk rent can take a big share of sales, so check the numbers before you commit
• Check municipal vendor licences and, in Quebec, French-language rules for signs and menus

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on the kiosk or stall setup, equipment and opening stock. Market fees or mall kiosk rent can take a large share of sales, so check the numbers first.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the site, the season and how many events or market days you work. Outdoor markets can slow in winter and bad weather, so plan for seasonal income.

Check with your public health unit, since food permits for temporary or kiosk vendors usually differ from permanent shops. Also check municipal vendor licences, event organizer insurance requirements, site access to water and power, and French-language rules in Quebec.