How Much Does It Cost to Open an F&B Business? (2026)

Data-backed startup cost estimates for 8 F&B business models across 9 cities. Every page breaks down the investment, monthly operating costs, realistic revenue range, and time to break even — pick your model and city below.

Coffee Shop

Typical investment: $50K - $300K · From specialty coffee to neighborhood café. High gross margins (65-80%), but competitive market.

New YorkNY, USA Los AngelesCA, USA ChicagoIL, USA AustinTX, USA MiamiFL, USA SeattleWA, USA DenverCO, USA LondonUK SydneyAustralia

Fast-Casual Eatery

Typical investment: $80K - $250K · Counter-service restaurant. Moderate investment, steady demand.

New YorkNY, USA Los AngelesCA, USA ChicagoIL, USA AustinTX, USA MiamiFL, USA SeattleWA, USA DenverCO, USA LondonUK SydneyAustralia

Bubble Tea Shop

Typical investment: $60K - $200K · High margins on drinks (15-25% COGS), but saturated market in many cities.

New YorkNY, USA Los AngelesCA, USA ChicagoIL, USA AustinTX, USA MiamiFL, USA SeattleWA, USA DenverCO, USA LondonUK SydneyAustralia

Restaurant

Typical investment: $250K - $800K · Sit-down dining with table service. Large investment, requires strong management.

New YorkNY, USA Los AngelesCA, USA ChicagoIL, USA AustinTX, USA MiamiFL, USA SeattleWA, USA DenverCO, USA LondonUK SydneyAustralia

Cloud Kitchen

Typical investment: $30K - $100K · Delivery-only kitchen. Low overhead but 20-30% platform fees.

New YorkNY, USA Los AngelesCA, USA ChicagoIL, USA AustinTX, USA MiamiFL, USA SeattleWA, USA DenverCO, USA LondonUK SydneyAustralia

Bakery

Typical investment: $80K - $350K · Bread, pastries, and coffee. Good margins, repeat customers.

New YorkNY, USA Los AngelesCA, USA ChicagoIL, USA AustinTX, USA MiamiFL, USA SeattleWA, USA DenverCO, USA LondonUK SydneyAustralia

Bar

Typical investment: $150K - $500K · High drink margins (60-80%). Significant investment, licensing requirements.

New YorkNY, USA Los AngelesCA, USA ChicagoIL, USA AustinTX, USA MiamiFL, USA SeattleWA, USA DenverCO, USA LondonUK SydneyAustralia

Kiosk

Typical investment: $40K - $150K · Small booth in a mall or food hall. Built-in foot traffic but high rent.

New YorkNY, USA Los AngelesCA, USA ChicagoIL, USA AustinTX, USA MiamiFL, USA SeattleWA, USA DenverCO, USA LondonUK SydneyAustralia

Your city not listed? Run your own numbers.

The full Validator analysis works with any rent, any ticket size, any city — free, no signup.

Validate my idea →