Neighbourhood kosher grocery shop

Observant and traditional Jewish households, plus other shoppers looking for kosher, specialty or imported products. Sales rise before major holidays such as Passover and the High Holidays.

Mark-up on the products you sell. Seasonal holiday stock, gift baskets and local or imported specialty lines can lift sales.

• Knowledge of kosher rules and certification symbols
• Stock ordering and cash flow management
• Customer service and community relationships

• Food retail rules differ by province and municipality, so check with your local public health unit about permits and inspections
• If you add a deli counter, bakery or butcher, check whether a kosher supervision agency must certify that part of the shop
• Check the rules on selling kosher wine or other alcohol with your provincial liquor regulator
• If you import products yourself, check whether you need a Safe Food for Canadians licence from the CFIA
• In Quebec, check French-language rules for signage and labelling
• Plan for closures on Shabbat and Jewish holidays, thin margins, and short shelf life on dairy and fresh stock
• Commercial general liability and property insurance

Estimated startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $200,000 CAD, depending on the size and location of the premises, fit-out, refrigeration, opening stock and insurance. It is typically a full-time business of around 40 hours per week.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $15,000 to $75,000 CAD, depending on shop size, range and location. Sales can rise before major holidays, while margins are thin and dairy and fresh stock has a short shelf life.

Food retail rules differ by province and municipality, so check with your local public health unit about permits and inspections. Also check kosher supervision for any deli or bakery, alcohol rules, CFIA licensing for imports, and Quebec French-language rules.