Fresh pasta and sauce shop

Local households, home cooks, food lovers, and people who want a quick dinner or a gift basket.

Sales of fresh pasta by weight, plus sauces, dried pasta and pantry items. Regular customers, gift boxes and holiday orders add to steady sales.

• Making pasta and sauces consistently
• Customer service and food knowledge
• Ordering stock and managing costs

• Food premises permit and inspections from your local public health unit; check the rules for your province
• Commercial general liability insurance, and WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire (rules vary by province)
• Allergen labelling for eggs, wheat and dairy, plus any packaged food labelling rules (check CFIA requirements; Quebec has French-language rules)
• Lease costs, slow winter weeks and fresh stock that spoils quickly

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on your premises, equipment and how much stock you carry. Lease costs are a major factor, so plan carefully before signing and allow for slow weeks.

Check food premises permit and inspection requirements with your local public health unit, as rules vary by province. Also check allergen labelling for eggs, wheat and dairy, CFIA packaged food rules, Quebec French-language rules and insurance, including WCB/WSIB once you hire.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $12,000 to $45,000, depending on location and product range. Expect to work at least 40 hours a week, and plan for slow winter weeks and fresh stock that spoils quickly.