Store Startup Cost Ranges by Business Type
A planning bracket for total opening capital by concept — from a boutique to a fine-dining room. Pair it with the Startup Viability tool to build your own line-item total. Every range is cited and dated.
This calculator provides estimates for educational use only. It is not tax, legal, or financial advice. Figures are based on current IRS rules — verify against IRS.gov or consult a licensed professional. See our full disclaimer.
Typical Total Opening Capital by Concept
One-time capital + initial operating reserve. Ranges retrieved 2026-08-13.
| Business type | Typical total startup cost |
|---|---|
| Boutique / general retail | $30,000 – $150,000 |
| Food truck | $50,000 – $200,000 |
| Bakery | $20,000 – $100,000 |
| Coffee / café | $80,000 – $300,000 |
| QSR / fast-casual | $150,000 – $500,000 |
| Bar / taproom | $100,000 – $850,000+ |
| Full-service restaurant | $300,000 – $750,000+ |
| Fine dining | $500,000 – $1.5M+ |
Reserve & Build-Out Ranges
These sit on top of (or inside) the totals above. Ranges retrieved 2026-08-13.
| Component | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Working-capital reserve | 3 – 6 months of operating expenses |
| Restaurant build-out | $50 – $450 / sq ft |
| Retail white-box fit-out | $20 – $75 / sq ft |
A lean concept can open below these ranges; Prime locations, full kitchens, and custom finishes push toward the top. Build your own line-item total — do not rely on the bracket alone.
Startup Cost FAQs
Concept drives the biggest lines: a food truck needs a vehicle and commissary, a restaurant needs a kitchen and hood, fine dining needs high-end finish. Retail is usually lighter on equipment but still needs build-out, inventory, and a reserve.
It is cash kept on hand to cover operating costs (rent, payroll, supplies) before revenue ramps. Three months is a common minimum; six is safer for slow-ramp concepts like restaurants. It is separate from one-time build-out.
The ranges are typical TOTAL startup cost (one-time capital + initial operating reserve) for the concept. Build-out $/SF is listed separately because it is only one component.
Pick your concept, take the range as a planning bracket, then build the line-item total in the Startup Viability tool. If your detailed build comes in below the low end, double-check for forgotten items.
Aggregated from SBA and widely cited small-business startup-cost surveys, retrieved 2026-08-13. They are ranges, not quotes — verify with local bids and your own plan.
Authoritative References
- U.S. Small Business Administration — Calculate Your Startup Costs — the one-time-capital + working-reserve framework.
- U.S. Small Business Administration — small-business startup-cost surveys and guidance.
Educational reference only. Figures are aggregated public ranges retrieved 2026-08-13and vary by region, concept, and finish level. Verify with local bids and your own plan before deciding. Not financial advice.