Cost to Open a Bar in Denver (2026)

A data-backed estimate of startup investment, monthly costs, revenue, and break-even — based on 2026 CO, USA benchmarks.

📍 CO, USA👥 Pop. 0.71M🍽️ F&B density: Medium
$213K
Total investment
$4K
Monthly rent
$44K
Monthly costs
3+ mo
Break-even

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Startup investment breakdown

Construction & build-out$68,850
Equipment$64,680
Licenses, inventory & launch$38,000
Security deposit (3 months rent)$11,160
Working capital reserve$30,000
Total startup investment$212,690

Estimated monthly operating costs

Rent$3,720
Payroll$19,680
Food cost (~20% of revenue)$17,164
Fixed costs (internet, software, maintenance)$200
Variable costs (utilities, marketing, packaging)$3,000
Total monthly costs (at typical revenue)$43,764

Revenue & break-even estimate

Monthly revenue range (30–80 customers/day @ $15–$50/ticket)$17K–$154K/mo
Estimated monthly profit range-$12,714 – $96,829/mo
Time to recoup investment3+ months

What's different about opening in Denver

Denver combines low build costs with a growing population, making it one of the friendlier US markets for a first location. Altitude genuinely affects baking and some cooking processes, which matters for bakeries and anything relying on precise recipes. Winter seasonality is milder than Chicago but still real.

Estimates for the Denver area using 2026 CO, USA benchmarks. Actual rent and costs vary by exact location, lease terms, and concept. Run your own numbers for a precise projection.

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