Shawarma shop with a small takeaway counter

Lunchtime workers, students, late-night customers and families who want a quick, filling meal, plus delivery app customers.

Sales of wraps, plates and combos with drinks and sides. Good margins on sauces, fries and drinks. Delivery app orders add volume but come with commission fees.

• Cooking and marinating meat safely
• Fast, consistent service
• Food costing and portion control
• Managing staff and stock

• Food premises permit and inspections from your local public health unit
• Food handler certification requirements, which vary by province
• Ventilation, fire safety and grease-handling rules for cooking on a spit, check with your municipality
• Halal claims: if you advertise halal, check that your suppliers can prove it
• Commercial general liability and property insurance, plus WCB/WSIB once you hire
• Thin margins: rent, food costs and delivery app commissions can eat profit quickly
• Quebec businesses should check French-language signage and menu rules

Startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on your premises, kitchen equipment and fit-out. These are estimates, so get quotes for the spit, ventilation and counter before signing a lease.

Monthly revenue is typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on location, opening hours and menu pricing. Margins are thin, as rent, food costs and delivery app commissions can eat profit quickly, so treat these as estimates.

Check the food premises permit and inspections from your local public health unit, food handler certification in your province, and ventilation, fire safety and grease rules with your municipality. Also check halal claims, insurance and WCB/WSIB once you hire. In Quebec, check French-language rules.