Cost to Open a Fast-Casual Eatery 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
$142K
Total investment
$3K
Monthly rent
$41K
Monthly costs
4+ mo
Break-even

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Startup investment breakdown

Construction & build-out$42,930
Equipment$42,504
Licenses, inventory & launch$22,000
Security deposit (3 months rent)$9,300
Working capital reserve$25,000
Total startup investment$141,734

Estimated monthly operating costs

Rent$3,100
Payroll$13,284
Food cost (~33% of revenue)$22,063
Fixed costs (internet, software, maintenance)$180
Variable costs (utilities, marketing, packaging)$2,600
Total monthly costs (at typical revenue)$41,227

Revenue & break-even estimate

Monthly revenue range (80–180 customers/day @ $10–$18/ticket)$26K–$108K/mo
Estimated monthly profit range-$1,936 – $53,196/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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Fast-Casual Eatery costs in other cities