Japanese sweets café

Dessert fans, students, local workers, families and people curious about Japanese food, especially in busy neighbourhoods or near campuses.

Sales of sweets and drinks at the counter or table, plus gift boxes and pre-orders for special occasions. Drinks usually add a good margin to each order.

• Making Japanese sweets or hiring someone who can
• Food safety and kitchen hygiene
• Customer service
• Managing costs and stock

• Food premises permit and inspections from your local public health unit, check what the kitchen layout must include
• Food handler certification requirements, which vary by province
• Commercial general liability insurance and property cover
• Allergen labelling and cross-contact risks (nuts, soy, wheat, sesame)
• Lease terms, municipal zoning and signage rules
• Quiet winter months and rent costs, so plan cash for slow periods
• If in Quebec, check French-language rules for signs and menus

Startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on the premises, kitchen fit-out and equipment. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on location, menu and how busy the café is.

Check the food premises permit and inspections with your local public health unit, including kitchen layout requirements. Also check food handler certification rules in your province, insurance, allergen labelling, lease and zoning terms, and French-language rules if you are in Quebec.

It is estimated to need at least about 40 hours a week. Useful skills include making Japanese sweets or hiring someone who can, food safety and kitchen hygiene, customer service, and managing costs and stock. Plan cash for quiet winter months.