Neighbourhood coffee shop

Local residents, commuters, students, remote workers and nearby office staff who want a regular coffee and a place to sit.

Sales of drinks and food at the counter. Coffee has a good margin, and food and takeaway beans or merchandise can add to the average sale. Rent, wages and ingredients are the main costs.

• Making good espresso drinks consistently
• Customer service and a friendly manner
• Managing stock, costs and staff schedules

• A food premises permit from your local public health unit, plus a food handler certificate where required, check what applies in your province
• Municipal zoning, business licence and signage rules, and building or fire code requirements for fit-out
• Commercial general liability and property insurance, and WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire (rules differ by province)
• Long leases and high rent can be a major risk, so have a lawyer review the lease before signing
• Quiet winter months and slow seasons, so plan cash reserves
• Quebec has its own rules and French-language requirements for signage and menus, check these if you plan to open there

Estimates typically put startup costs around $60,000 to $250,000, depending on your premises, fit-out, espresso and kitchen equipment, and the size of your menu and team. Long leases and high rent are a major risk to weigh.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $12,000 to $50,000, depending on your location, opening hours, menu and foot traffic. Revenue is not profit, and quiet winter months and slow seasons mean you should plan cash reserves.

Check the food premises permit from your local public health unit and any food handler certificate required in your province. Also check municipal zoning, licence and signage rules, building and fire code, insurance, WCB/WSIB, and Quebec's language rules if you open there.