Cost to Open a Restaurant in Chicago (2026)
A data-backed estimate of startup investment, monthly costs, revenue, and break-even — based on 2026 IL, USA benchmarks.
📍 IL, USA👥 Pop. 2.7M🍽️ F&B density: High
$334K
Total investment
$6K
Monthly rent
$86K
Monthly costs
5+ mo
Break-even
Startup investment breakdown
Construction & build-out$125,000
Equipment$113,000
Licenses, inventory & launch$39,000
Security deposit (3 months rent)$16,800
Working capital reserve$40,000
Total startup investment$333,800
Estimated monthly operating costs
Rent$5,600
Payroll$34,900
Food cost (~33% of revenue)$39,600
Fixed costs (internet, software, maintenance)$750
Variable costs (utilities, marketing, packaging)$5,300
Total monthly costs (at typical revenue)$86,150
Revenue & break-even estimate
Monthly revenue range (40–100 customers/day @ $25–$60/ticket)$34K–$206K/mo
Estimated monthly profit range-$23,578 – $91,278/mo
Time to recoup investment5+ months
Estimates for the Chicago area using 2026 IL, 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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