Cost to Open a Fast-Casual Eatery in Seattle (2026)

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

📍 WA, USA👥 Pop. 0.75M🍽️ F&B density: High
$152K
Total investment
$4K
Monthly rent
$44K
Monthly costs
4+ mo
Break-even

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Startup investment breakdown

Construction & build-out$48,230
Equipment$44,344
Licenses, inventory & launch$22,000
Security deposit (3 months rent)$12,000
Working capital reserve$25,000
Total startup investment$151,574

Estimated monthly operating costs

Rent$4,000
Payroll$15,228
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)$44,071

Revenue & break-even estimate

Monthly revenue range (80–180 customers/day @ $10–$18/ticket)$26K–$108K/mo
Estimated monthly profit range-$4,780 – $50,352/mo
Time to recoup investment4+ months

What's different about opening in Seattle

Seattle has high wage floors — payroll runs close to coastal-California levels — paired with rent below New York or LA. Coffee culture is mature and sophisticated here, which cuts both ways: customers know quality, and the competitive bar for a cafe is higher than almost anywhere in the country.

Estimates for the Seattle area using 2026 WA, 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