How much would it cost to start a coffee shop in montreal?

Question

I have $14000 and would be looking at renting or leasing a place. Is this enough for everything i need?

Answer 1

It depends what you are looking for. Since I live in Montreal myself and have had experience with equipment and materials, I would say that is not enough money. Most locations charge rent by the square foot while others charge based on location, location, location. Take Tim Horton's for example. This is a chain and you are bound by franchise rules and regulations and must pay fees every month. I would go more for the little neighbourhood coffee shop. You need a little more just to make sure you are able to get your equipment and supplies. Don't forget license and permits. Email me if you need any further information. Good Luck.

Answer 2

Everything in Montreal (and almost every city) is location, location, location.

You would have to open up and compete with many others, including:

- Tim Hortons

- Dunkin Donuts

- Starbucks

- Second Cup

- Java U

- Cafe Depot

- A.L. Van Houtte

You need to pay your store rent. (probably one year lease)

You need to buy your stock

You need to get your coffee grinders, espresso machines and thermos units.

You probably will want to sell muffins, cookies, croissants, and such, and so need a supplier for that too.

I won't say that $14K would be too little because a lot depends on where you want to open up, but to be successful, you better have REALLY good coffee and be prepared to compete with the big boys.

Maybe you can contact Starbucks or Second Cup for franchise info. That would at least get you an idea of what some of the costs might be and what they would help you with. Then if you decide to go "independent" you will have some idea of the work and costs involved.

It's just my opinion, but there are already almost as many coffee shops in Montreal as there are churches, and that is a lot! Eventually that market is gonna fizzle and just like the video stores in the 80's, many are gonna go belly up.

Answer 3

People in Montreal have mouths for coffee? Congrats!  I didn't know you had evolved that far!

Answer 4

Start small and get a part-time job while you work the coffee shop alone cause you can't afford staff.

It's possible, whether you have $1 or $1 million remember  90% of new businesses fail in the first year.

Think you go to 60% with a franchise, and for a franchise you're looking at atleast 1 million to invest.

Answer 5

As a past cook/server/manager at a cafe in Montreal that went belly up. I have to say that it all depends on your location. Make sure that you have lots of foot traffic.

Most of your equipment is available as a lease and there is tons of second hand equipment available - make sure you have the right equipment for the menu you devise. For your coffee maker you can often get one from the coffee company as part of the deal.

Also make sure that you have something that differentiates you from the competition (there's alot in Montreal).

Good luck. Keep your nose to the grindstone...and don't forget to pay yourself.