strEATs is a Canadian street-food–inspired restaurant brand that focuses on bold flavours, fast service, and a fun, modern dining experience. The concept blends global street food influences with a casual, quick-service format that appeals to a wide range of customers, especially younger diners and urban markets. As interest in fast-casual dining continues to grow, many entrepreneurs are curious about the cost of opening a strEATs franchise in Canada.
Overview of the strEATs Franchise Concept
strEATs operates as a fast-casual restaurant offering items such as tacos, burritos, bowls, fries, and other street-food favourites. The brand is designed to deliver quick service while maintaining high food quality and strong visual branding. strEATs locations are often found in shopping centres, urban neighbourhoods, and high-traffic areas where convenience and speed are important to customers.
Total Estimated Franchise Cost
The total estimated cost to open a strEATs franchise in Canada ranges from $353,300 to $567,500 CAD. This range represents the all-in investment required to take a location from concept to opening. The final cost can vary depending on factors such as restaurant size, location, and the condition of the leased space.
What the Investment Typically Includes
The total investment generally covers leasehold improvements, kitchen equipment, furniture, fixtures, signage, and interior branding. It also includes point-of-sale systems, smallwares, and initial food and supply inventory. In addition, professional fees, permits, and other pre-opening expenses are part of the overall cost required to launch the restaurant.
Location and Site Selection Impact
Location plays a major role in determining where a strEATs franchise falls within the investment range. Urban locations or high-traffic retail areas may involve higher rent and construction costs. Smaller spaces or locations that were previously used as restaurants may require fewer renovations, helping to keep costs closer to the lower end of the range.
Build-Out and Construction Costs
Build-out costs are a key part of opening a strEATs franchise. These may include installing kitchen ventilation, plumbing, electrical systems, flooring, lighting, and customer seating areas. Fast-casual concepts like strEATs are typically designed for efficiency, which can help manage construction costs compared to larger full-service restaurants.
Equipment and Kitchen Setup
A strEATs restaurant requires commercial kitchen equipment such as grills, prep stations, refrigeration units, and storage areas. The front-of-house setup also includes counters, menu boards, and branded design elements that reflect the energetic street-food theme. These items make up a significant portion of the initial investment.
Training and Ongoing Support
Franchisees typically receive training and operational support from the franchisor. This training covers food preparation, service standards, inventory management, and day-to-day operations. Ongoing support helps ensure consistency across locations and assists franchisees as they grow their business.
Working Capital and Early Operations
In addition to setup costs, franchisees should plan for working capital to cover expenses during the early months of operation. These expenses may include staff wages, utilities, marketing, insurance, and other operating costs. Adequate working capital allows the business to operate smoothly while building customer awareness and sales.
Who the strEATs Franchise Is Best Suited For
A strEATs franchise may be well suited for entrepreneurs interested in fast-casual dining and hands-on business ownership. The brand’s modern concept and streamlined operations can appeal to both first-time franchise owners and experienced operators looking to expand their portfolio.
Summary
Opening a strEATs franchise in Canada requires a moderate investment that reflects the fast-casual restaurant model. The total estimated cost is $353,300 to $567,500 CAD, with the final amount depending on factors such as location, size, and build-out requirements. For entrepreneurs seeking a contemporary street-food concept with strong customer appeal, strEATs offers a franchise opportunity worth considering.
