Japanese deli and grocery shop

Local Japanese and wider Asian communities, students, home cooks, office workers on lunch breaks and food lovers.

Mark-up on packaged goods bought from wholesalers or importers, plus higher margins on prepared food made in-house or bought in from a licensed kitchen.

• Knowledge of Japanese food and ingredients
• Stock buying and ordering
• Customer service
• Basic food handling or cooking

• Food premises permit and inspections from your local public health unit, check the layout rules before signing a lease
• Commercial general liability insurance and property insurance
• Food labelling rules, including bilingual labels, and French-language requirements in Quebec
• Shelf life and stock waste on fresh and chilled items
• Rent and lease commitments, which are the biggest ongoing cost
• Check if you need to register for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $50,000 to $200,000, depending on your premises, fit-out and opening stock. Rent and lease commitments are the biggest ongoing cost, so check your numbers carefully before signing a lease.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $12,000 to $50,000, depending on your location, the size of your shop and your mix of pantry goods and prepared dishes. Stock waste on fresh and chilled items and rent will affect what you keep.

Check the food premises permit and inspections from your local public health unit, including layout rules before you sign a lease. Also check food labelling rules, including bilingual labels and French-language requirements in Quebec, insurance, and GST/HST registration once you pass the small supplier threshold.