Cost to Open a Restaurant 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
$300K
Total investment
$5K
Monthly rent
$79K
Monthly costs
5+ mo
Break-even

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Startup investment breakdown

Construction & build-out$101,250
Equipment$104,412
Licenses, inventory & launch$39,000
Security deposit (3 months rent)$14,880
Working capital reserve$40,000
Total startup investment$299,542

Estimated monthly operating costs

Rent$4,960
Payroll$28,618
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)$79,228

Revenue & break-even estimate

Monthly revenue range (40–100 customers/day @ $25–$60/ticket)$34K–$206K/mo
Estimated monthly profit range-$16,656 – $98,200/mo
Time to recoup investment5+ 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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