Neighbourhood sports bar

Local regulars, groups of friends, office crowds after work and fans who gather for big games and playoffs.

Drinks (draught, bottled and cocktails) make up most sales, with food, game-night specials, and bookings for groups and private events adding to it.

• Customer service and a welcoming manner
• Managing stock, staff rotas and cash
• Basic food and drink knowledge
• Local marketing and community building

• A liquor licence from your province (for example AGCO in Ontario, LCRB in BC, AGLC in Alberta, RACJ in Quebec), which can take months to get
• Server training requirements for you and your staff, which vary by province
• Commercial TV and sports channel subscriptions, since home accounts are generally not allowed in businesses, so check with providers
• Food permit from your local public health unit, plus fire and occupancy limits for the unit
• Liquor liability and commercial general liability insurance
• Music licensing (for example SOCAN and Re:Sound) if you play music
• Lease terms, build-out costs and slower summer months in some seasons
• Quebec has French-language signage and menu rules to check

Estimates typically run around $120,000 to $450,000 CAD, depending on the unit, build-out, equipment and licensing. Lease terms and fit-out choices will shape where your own costs land within that range.

Check for a provincial liquor licence (for example AGCO in Ontario, LCRB in BC, AGLC in Alberta, RACJ in Quebec), which can take months. Also check server training, a food permit from your public health unit, commercial TV subscriptions, music licensing and Quebec French-language rules.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on location, size and event nights. Some seasons, such as summer, may be slower. Expect to put in at least about 50 hours a week as the owner.