Steamed bun takeaway shop

Local workers, students, shoppers and families, plus delivery app customers.

Daily walk-in sales, lunch combos, catering trays for offices and events, and delivery app orders.

• Food production at volume
• Managing costs and stock
• Hiring and managing staff

• Lease terms, fit-out costs and ventilation or fire requirements for steaming equipment
• Food premises permit, inspections and food handler certification for staff
• Commercial general liability and property insurance, plus WCB/WSIB once you hire
• Delivery app commission fees eating into margins
• Slow winter months or quiet seasons in some locations
• In Quebec, French-language signage and menu rules

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on the lease, fit-out, ventilation and steaming equipment you need. Lease terms and fire or ventilation requirements can move your costs within that range.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on location, menu, opening hours and delivery app sales. These are estimates only, and delivery app commission fees and slow seasons may affect your margins.

Check your food premises permit, inspections and staff food handler certification, plus lease terms and ventilation or fire requirements. Also check commercial general liability, property insurance and WCB/WSIB once you hire. In Quebec, check French-language signage and menu rules.