Neighbourhood rice and grains shop

Households, especially families who cook with rice daily, plus local restaurants, caterers and community groups buying larger bags.

Margin on rice and grains sold by weight or by the bag, with better volume on large 10 to 20 kg sacks and regular orders from restaurants.

• Knowing rice and grain varieties
• Stock buying and cost control
• Customer service
• Basic bookkeeping

• Food premises usually need a permit or inspection from your local public health unit, so check before signing a lease
• If you import rice yourself or sell across provincial borders, check whether a Safe Food for Canadians licence from the CFIA applies
• Packaging and labelling rules for repackaged food, including bilingual labels, so check CFIA guidance
• Pests and moisture can spoil stock, so plan sealed storage and cleaning routines
• Lease costs and slow early months, so keep cash in reserve
• Commercial general liability insurance and a municipal business licence

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $30,000 to $100,000, depending on the lease, shop set-up and how much stock you buy. Lease costs and slow early months mean it helps to keep cash in reserve.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $12,000 to $45,000, depending on location, your range of rice and grains, and whether you also sell larger bags to restaurants, caterers and community groups.

Check whether food premises need a permit or inspection from your local public health unit before signing a lease. Also check whether a CFIA Safe Food for Canadians licence applies, and packaging and labelling rules for repackaged food, including bilingual labels.