Opening a restaurant cost in 2026
Opening a restaurant costs $175,000 to $750,000 per restaurant in 2026, and most people pay about $375,000.
What moves the price
- Building a new space costs much more than taking over an old restaurant.
- The size of the space and the rent in the city change the cost.
- Fast casual costs less than full service or fine dining.
- Kitchen equipment, hoods, and grease traps can cost tens of thousands.
- Liquor licenses can cost a little or a lot, depending on the state.
What is included
The range is per restaurant, startup cost. The startup total usually covers build out, kitchen equipment, licenses, first food stock, staff training, and marketing. A cash reserve for 3 to 6 months of running costs is often advised on top. Monthly bills after opening are extra.
Restaurant startup cost by type
| Type | Startup cost |
|---|---|
| Food truck | $50,000 to $200,000 |
| Coffee shop or cafe | $80,000 to $300,000 |
| Quick service or fast casual | $150,000 to $500,000 |
| Full service | $300,000 to $750,000+ |
| Fine dining | $500,000 to $1.5 million+ |
Average prices in US dollars. Source: DoorDash Merchants.
Cost by starting point (median)
| Starting point | Median cost |
|---|---|
| Remodel of an old restaurant space | $275,000 |
| Remodel of a space that was not a restaurant | $425,000 |
| New ground up build | $650,000 |
Average prices in US dollars. Source: DoorDash Merchants.
Ways to pay less
- Take over a second generation space that already has a hood and grease trap.
- Buy used equipment, which can cost 30 to 60 percent less.
- Start with a smaller menu and a smaller space.
What price guides say
We checked 3 price guides and read every number on their pages. They do not all measure the same thing, so the ranges on this page come from putting them side by side.
- DoorDash Merchants: How Much Does It Cost to Open a Restaurant in 2026?
- CloudKitchens: How Much Does It Cost to Start a Restaurant Business
- Katalyst: What it really costs to open a restaurant in 2026
Common questions
How much does this cost in 2026?
Opening a restaurant costs $175,000 to $750,000 per restaurant in 2026, and most people pay about $375,000. Most people pay about $375,000 per restaurant. The low end is $175,000 and the high end is $750,000.
What changes the price the most?
The biggest factors are: Building a new space costs much more than taking over an old restaurant; The size of the space and the rent in the city change the cost; Fast casual costs less than full service or fine dining.
How can I pay less?
Take over a second generation space that already has a hood and grease trap. Buy used equipment, which can cost 30 to 60 percent less. Start with a smaller menu and a smaller space.
Where do these numbers come from?
From 3 named price guides: DoorDash Merchants, CloudKitchens, Katalyst. Each one is linked on this page with the date we read it.
Related costs
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