Pop-Up Family Cafe in Community Halls

Parents and carers of babies, toddlers and preschoolers looking for a relaxed, affordable place to meet other families.

Food and drink sales, plus a small entry fee or ticketed sessions. You can add seasonal events such as holiday crafts or party hire.

• Food preparation and handling
• Organizing events and bookings
• Friendly with families
• Social media and local promotion

• Food permit rules for events or hall kitchens, which vary by health unit, so check what applies
• Commercial general liability insurance, and check whether the hall requires proof of cover
• Keep parents on site and responsible for their children, because supervised care may need provincial child care licensing
• Allergy handling and clear labelling of food
• Winter weather and holiday periods can affect attendance, and hall bookings may be cancelled
• Storage and transport of equipment, which may need a vehicle

Startup costs are typically around $2,500 to $12,000, depending on your equipment, food and drink supplies, toys or craft items, and how you transport and store everything.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,200 to $6,000, depending on how many sessions you run, hall costs and attendance. It can start at around 10 hours a week. Winter weather and holidays can affect attendance.

Check food permit rules for events or hall kitchens, which vary by health unit, and whether the hall requires proof of insurance. Keep parents on site, because supervised care may need provincial child care licensing. Check allergy handling and labelling too.