Local roastery supplying cafés and shops

Independent cafés, restaurants, offices, specialty grocers and local customers who pick up or order online.

Wholesale price per kilogram on regular weekly orders, plus higher-margin retail bags and online sales.

• Roasting at volume with consistent results
• Selling and relationship building with cafés
• Inventory and green bean purchasing
• Bookkeeping and pricing

• Food premises approval and inspections by your local public health unit, and any provincial food processing rules
• Zoning, fire code and emissions or ventilation rules for roasters, check with your municipality before buying equipment
• Commercial general liability and product liability insurance, plus WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire (rules vary by province)
• Large upfront costs for the roaster, ventilation and afterburner, unit deposit, fit-out and green bean stock; get quotes before committing
• Café customers can be slow to pay or switch suppliers, so check payment terms
• Currency and shipping costs for imported green beans, and winter delivery issues

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $90,000 to $200,000, depending on the roaster, ventilation, unit deposit, fit-out and green bean stock. Get quotes before committing.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on how many cafés and shops you supply and your roasting volume. Check payment terms, as café customers can be slow to pay or switch suppliers.

Check food premises approval and inspections by your local public health unit and any provincial food processing rules. Check zoning, fire code and emissions or ventilation rules with your municipality before buying equipment, and insurance plus WCB/WSIB if you hire.