Neighbourhood dart bar

Locals, after-work groups, friends and league players, plus workplaces and groups booking team events.

Mostly drinks and food sales. Extra income can come from league or tournament entry fees, board bookings, private events and quiet-night promotions.

• Customer service and hosting
• Managing stock, staff and cash
• Building a regular community of players
• Basic food and drink knowledge

• A liquor licence from your provincial regulator is needed, and approval can take months and vary by province (Quebec has its own rules and French-language requirements)
• Check zoning, fire and occupancy limits, and whether a lease allows a bar use before you sign
• Liquor liability and commercial general liability insurance, plus responsible service training for staff (requirements vary by province)
• Food service needs a permit or inspection from your local public health unit
• Music licensing fees may apply if you play recorded music, so check with the relevant licensing bodies
• Plan board spacing and wall protection for safety, and prepare for slower winter or mid-week trade
• Start-up and ongoing costs are high, so test your numbers carefully before committing to a lease

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $100,000 to $450,000, depending on premises, fit-out, licensing and stock. Costs are high, so test your numbers carefully before committing to a lease.

Check the liquor licence requirements of your provincial regulator, as approval can take months and varies by province (Quebec has its own rules and French-language requirements). Also check zoning, fire and occupancy limits, food service permits from your local public health unit, and staff responsible service training.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $25,000 to $90,000, depending on location, opening hours, food and drink pricing, and how well you build regulars. Expect slower winter and mid-week trade, and plan around it.