Street food cart on a regular spot

Office workers, students, tourists and shoppers who want a quick, affordable meal.

You sell single items and meal deals at set prices. Revenue depends on the location, the lunchtime rush and the weather, and you pay for permits, any site fees, ingredients and kitchen space.

• Fast, repeatable cooking
• Food safety and cleanliness
• Customer service under pressure
• Scouting and negotiating good locations

• Street vending permits are limited or restricted in some cities and not offered in others, so confirm before you spend money
• Health unit inspection and approval of your cart and menu, which differ by province and region
• Commercial general liability insurance, plus any extra cover the city or property owner asks for
• Cold winters and bad weather in many parts of Canada can sharply reduce sales, so plan for seasonal cash flow
• Gas, propane and fire safety rules for cooking equipment, and a safe way to store and move the cart

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $6,000 to $25,000, depending on your cart or kiosk, equipment and menu. Confirm that street vending permits are available in your city before you spend money.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on your location, menu and hours. Cold winters and bad weather can sharply reduce sales in many parts of Canada, so plan for seasonal cash flow.

Street vending permits are limited or restricted in some cities and not offered in others, so confirm first. Also check health unit inspection of your cart and menu, liability insurance, and gas, propane and fire safety rules.