Neighborhood art cafe with local art and events

Neighborhood regulars, students, remote workers, art lovers, and people who book event nights or workshops.

Drinks and food sales, plus ticketed workshops or event nights. You can also take a small commission when art on the walls sells.

• Making good coffee and simple food
• Customer service
• Organizing events and working with local artists
• Basic bookkeeping and cost control

• Health department permit, plan review and food handler or manager certification requirements, which vary by county and state
• Zoning, occupancy and building rules for the space, plus any buildout needs such as sinks, grease traps or accessibility upgrades
• General liability and property insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire
• Sales tax registration with your state, and music licensing if you play music or host live performances
• Rent and equipment are big fixed costs, and margins on coffee and food are thin, so check your numbers before signing a lease

Startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $200,000, depending on the space, buildout, equipment and opening stock. These are estimates, so get quotes and check your numbers carefully before signing a lease.

Monthly revenue is typically around $12,000 to $50,000, depending on location, opening hours, menu and how often you host events. Treat these as estimates, since rent and equipment are big fixed costs and margins on coffee and food are thin.

Check for a health department permit, plan review and food handler or manager certification, which vary by county and state. Also check zoning, occupancy and building rules, sales tax registration, and music licensing if you play music or host live performances.