How much does it cost to open a small restaurant?

A small restaurant (under 2,000 sq ft) typically costs $75,000 to $150,000 to open, including lease deposits, equipment, permits, and initial inventory. Costs vary significantly by location.

What is the most expensive part of opening a restaurant?

Kitchen equipment and interior build-out are usually the largest expenses, often accounting for 40-60% of total startup costs.

Can I open a restaurant with $50,000?

It's possible with a very small space, used equipment, and a location with low commercial rents. Food trucks ($50K-$100K) are a more realistic option at this budget.

Restaurant Startup Cost Comparison

Sandy Springs, GA vs Chicago, IL

Sandy Springs, GA

$90,000 - $359,000

COL Index: 108.3

Chicago, IL

$97,000 - $380,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense	Sandy Springs, GA	Chicago, IL	Difference
Business Registration & Licenses	$2,400 - $8,900	$5,600 - $10,900	-32%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)	$14,500 - $72,400	$17,600 - $88,000	-18%
Kitchen Equipment & Fixtures	$25,000 - $100,000	$25,000 - $100,000	Same
Initial Food & Beverage Inventory	$5,000 - $15,000	$5,000 - $15,000	Same
Interior Build-Out & Renovation	$22,000 - $88,000	$23,000 - $92,000	-4%
Business Insurance (Annual)	$3,000 - $10,000	$3,000 - $10,000	Same
Marketing & Grand Opening	$2,000 - $10,000	$2,000 - $10,000	Same
Working Capital (3 Months)	$16,200 - $54,200	$16,200 - $53,900	Same
Total Estimated Cost	$90,000 - $359,000	$97,000 - $380,000	-6%

Local Market Factors

Factor	Sandy Springs	Chicago
Cost of Living Index	108.3	107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr)	$22 - $52	$25 - $65
Labor Rate Index	1.1	1.15
Sales Tax	8.9%	10.25%
Minimum Wage	$7.25/hr	$15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee	$100	$150

View Full Details

Ready to Start Your Restaurant?

Start your Restaurant LLC in — free registered agent for 1 year.

Form Your LLC for $0 + State Fee →

Trusted by 500,000+ businesses · Excellent rating on Trustpilot