Small espresso bar with a walk-up counter

Commuters, office workers, students and local residents buying a coffee on the go or for a short stop.

Sales of espresso drinks and snacks, with regulars and morning rush hours driving most revenue. Loyalty cards and beans for sale can add extra.

• Barista skills and drink consistency
• Managing staff schedules and suppliers
• Cash flow and cost control

• Food premises permit and plan review from the local public health unit before you open
• Food handler certification requirements, which vary by province
• Commercial lease terms, personal guarantees and fit-out costs, ideally reviewed by a lawyer
• Commercial general liability and property insurance, plus WCB/WSIB once you hire staff
• Thin margins and slow quiet seasons, so keep a cash buffer
• In Quebec, check French-language signage and menu requirements

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $40,000 to $200,000, depending on the premises, fit-out and equipment. Lease terms and fit-out costs vary widely, so get quotes before you commit to a location.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $12,000 to $50,000, depending on location, footfall and opening hours. Margins can be thin and quiet seasons slow, so keep a cash buffer for lean months.

Check for a food premises permit and plan review from your local public health unit, food handler certification rules in your province, lease terms and personal guarantees, insurance, and French-language signage and menu rules if you are in Quebec.