Neighbourhood fruit and juice parlour

Local residents, office workers, students, parents and gym-goers looking for a fresh, healthy snack.

Whole fruit sold by weight or piece, with higher margins on juices, fruit cups and snack boxes. Regulars and lunchtime trade keep sales steady.

• Choosing and buying good produce
• Customer service
• Stock control to limit waste
• Basic food prep and hygiene

• Food premises permit and inspection from your local public health unit, plus food handler certification (check what your province requires)
• Rules on fresh-pressed or unpasteurized juice and cut fruit vary by province, so check before you plan your menu
• Fresh fruit spoils fast, so waste can eat your margin
• Commercial general liability insurance and a lease you can afford in slow winter months
• Zoning and signage rules from your municipality, and GST/HST registration once you pass the small supplier threshold

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $25,000 to $90,000, depending on the premises, fit-out, juicing and refrigeration equipment, and opening stock. Treat this as an estimate and get quotes for your own location.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on your location, menu and opening hours. Fresh fruit spoils quickly, so waste can reduce your margin, and winter months may be slower.

Check the food premises permit and inspection from your local public health unit, plus food handler certification. Rules on fresh-pressed or unpasteurized juice and cut fruit vary by province. Also check zoning, signage, liability insurance and GST/HST.