Neighbourhood patisserie shop

Walk-in locals, commuters, tourists, and customers ordering cakes for weddings, birthdays and events.

Sales of individual pastries, coffee and boxed assortments, plus higher-value custom cakes and wholesale orders to cafés or restaurants.

• Professional pastry skills, often from training or working in a bakery
• Managing stock, costs and early-morning production schedules
• Hiring and leading a small team

• Food premises permit and inspections from your local public health unit, which usually apply to the kitchen layout and equipment
• Commercial lease terms, fit-out costs and a long run of low sales before the shop becomes known
• Commercial general liability and property insurance, plus WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire (rules differ by province)
• Food safety certification requirements for staff, and allergen handling
• Early starts, long hours and seasonal swings, including quiet winter months
• In Quebec, check French-language rules for signage and labelling

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $40,000 to $200,000, depending on the premises, fit-out and equipment. Commercial lease terms and fit-out costs are worth checking closely, as sales can stay low for a while before the shop becomes known.

Check for a food premises permit and inspections from your local public health unit, which usually apply to kitchen layout and equipment. Also check staff food safety certification, allergen handling, insurance, WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire, and French-language rules in Quebec.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on location, menu and how quickly customers find you. Plan for at least about 40 hours a week, with early starts and seasonal swings, including quieter winter months.