Vegetarian cafe and deli

Local residents, office workers, students and vegetarian or vegan diners looking for a reliable lunch spot or takeaway.

Sales of meals, coffee and drinks at the counter, plus higher-margin takeaway items. Catering platters for local offices and events can add extra income.

• Cooking and menu planning
• Costing recipes and controlling waste
• Customer service
• Managing staff and suppliers

• Food premises permit and inspections from your local public health unit, plus any food handler certificate required in your province
• Check zoning and building rules with your municipality before signing a lease
• Commercial general liability and contents insurance
• Allergen labelling and cross-contamination, especially with nuts, soy and gluten
• Thin margins, high rent and slow winter periods, so check your cash buffer
• WCB/WSIB coverage and payroll rules once you hire (they vary by province)

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $40,000 to $200,000, depending on premises, kitchen fit-out, equipment and your opening stock. Rent and fit-out costs vary a lot by location and unit size.

Things to check: a food premises permit and inspections from your local public health unit, any food handler certificate required in your province, and zoning and building rules with your municipality before signing a lease. Also check allergen labelling.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $12,000 to $60,000, depending on location, menu and opening hours. Margins can be thin, rent is high and winter can be slow, so check your cash buffer.