Neighbourhood Takeaway Counter

Local residents, students, office workers and late-evening customers who want a quick meal to take home or eat on the go.

Sales of meals and combos at a markup over ingredient cost. Extra income comes from drinks, sides, family bundles and your own delivery or pickup orders, which avoid app commission.

• Cooking consistently at speed
• Cost control and menu pricing
• Customer service
• Managing staff and rotas

• Food premises permit and inspections from your local public health unit (in Quebec, check MAPAQ rules)
• Food handler certification requirements, which vary by province
• Commercial kitchen ventilation, fire code and grease trap rules, which can raise fit-out costs
• Commercial general liability and property insurance, plus WCB/WSIB once you hire
• Delivery app commissions can eat most of the margin on each order
• Long hours, rent and thin margins; slow winter weeks need a cash cushion
• Allergen handling and, in Quebec, French-language signage and menu rules

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $30,000 to $150,000, depending on the premises, kitchen fit-out, equipment and menu. Ventilation, fire code and grease trap requirements can raise fit-out costs, so get quotes early.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $12,000 to $60,000, depending on location, menu and order volume. Delivery app commissions can eat much of the margin, and estimates suggest at least about 45 hours a week.

Things to check: a food premises permit and inspections from your local public health unit (MAPAQ in Quebec), food handler certification in your province, kitchen ventilation and fire code, insurance, and allergen handling. Quebec also has French-language signage and menu rules.