Neighbourhood Bakery Shop

Local residents, commuters, office workers, cafés and restaurants buying wholesale, and people ordering cakes for events.

Counter sales of bread, pastries and drinks, plus custom cake orders and regular wholesale accounts.

• Professional baking
• Managing costs and waste
• Early starts and long days on your feet
• Hiring and managing staff

• A food premises permit and inspection from your local public health unit before opening
• Municipal business licence and zoning checks
• Commercial general liability and property insurance
• WCB or WSIB coverage once you hire staff, with rules varying by province
• Lease terms, equipment costs and slow winter periods that squeeze cash flow
• Quebec has its own rules, including French-language signage requirements

Startup costs are typically estimated around $40,000 to $200,000, depending on the lease, commercial kitchen equipment and fit-out. Check lease terms and equipment costs, as slow winter periods can squeeze cash flow.

Check for a food premises permit and inspection from your local public health unit before opening, plus municipal business licence and zoning. Check WCB or WSIB once you hire, and in Quebec, French-language signage requirements.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on location, range and whether you add coffee, wholesale or custom cakes. Expect about 40 or more hours a week, with early starts.