How Much Does It Cost to Open a Breakfast Restaurant Franchise in Canada?

If you are thinking about owning a breakfast restaurant, the first question is almost always the same one: what is this going to cost me? It is the right place to start. You cannot judge a franchise, talk to a bank or plan your next five years without a real number in front of you.

Here is how the investment looks for a Sunnyside Grill breakfast franchise, what it covers, and what moves a project to the low or high end of the range.

The short answer

The total estimated initial investment for a Sunnyside Grill is approximately $200K to $300K for a retrofit and approximately $400K to $500K for a new build.

A retrofit converts an existing space, often a former restaurant. A new build starts from a bare unit. Most of the gap between the two comes from the build-out and equipment.

What the investment covers

The range takes in everything it takes to get from signing to opening day:

• The initial franchise fee and training
• Engineering, architectural drawings and permits
• Leasehold improvements (the build-out of your space)
• Kitchen and dining room equipment, smallwares and signage
• Your POS system and opening inventory
• Deposits, licenses and insurance
• Working capital to carry you through opening

The full breakdown, and every fee you will pay once you are open, is set out in the franchise disclosure document you receive before you sign anything.

What pushes a project to the low or high end

The space you start with. A former restaurant often already has plumbing, venting and a layout that works. That can bring the build-out and equipment down a long way. A bare shell needs everything built in.

Your landlord's allowance. A tenant improvement allowance can cover part of the build-out. Our real estate team negotiates the lease with you, and the allowance is one of the things we push on.

Size. A Sunnyside Grill runs in 1,500 to 2,500 square feet. A smaller unit means less to finish and equip.

Do you need all of it in cash?

No. Most owners combine their own capital with financing. Sunnyside Grill does not provide financing, but we have a list of preferred lenders who are familiar with the brand. You can see what it takes to qualify on our franchise FAQ page.

Questions people ask about breakfast franchise costs

Is a breakfast franchise cheaper to open than a full dinner restaurant?

It can be. A breakfast restaurant like Sunnyside runs one shift, 7am to 3pm, in a compact 1,500 to 2,500 square foot space. Compare the disclosure documents of any franchises you are looking at side by side.

When do I pay the franchise fee?

The franchise fee is payable when you sign the franchise agreement. Additional funds are required at the start of construction.

Why is a retrofit less than a new build?

A former restaurant space can reuse existing infrastructure like plumbing, venting and the kitchen layout. A new build has to put all of that in from scratch.

Ready for the next step? Get the Sunnyside Grill franchise guide or call our franchise team at (416) 604-0650.

All figures are estimates and can change. This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. A franchise can only be sold through the franchise disclosure document. Talk to your own accountant and lawyer before you invest.