Cost to Open a Coffee Shop 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
$114K
Total investment
$2K
Monthly rent
$28K
Monthly costs
4+ mo
Break-even

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Startup investment breakdown

Construction & build-out$34,830
Equipment$33,264
Licenses, inventory & launch$18,000
Security deposit (3 months rent)$7,440
Working capital reserve$20,000
Total startup investment$113,534

Estimated monthly operating costs

Rent$2,480
Payroll$11,562
Food cost (~25% of revenue)$11,636
Fixed costs (internet, software, maintenance)$400
Variable costs (utilities, marketing, packaging)$1,750
Total monthly costs (at typical revenue)$27,828

Revenue & break-even estimate

Monthly revenue range (80–200 customers/day @ $5–$12/ticket)$13K–$80K/mo
Estimated monthly profit range-$6,549 – $43,980/mo
Time to recoup investment4+ 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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