Start here
Where are you
on the journey?
Everything on this site is free. This page just puts it in the right order for you.
Path one
I'm dreaming of opening a spot
Get the real cost for your concept, the cash you actually need, and the plan a bank will read.
Path two
I already run one
Find out where your money is hiding: the 4-number profitability read and the three numbers to track weekly.
Path one: opening your spot
Step 1 — pick your concept. Each complete guide has the real 2026 numbers, line by line:
🚚 Food truck
Starting a standard food truck in 2026 costs $155,000 all-in (planning band: $116,500 to $…
🥐 Bakery
Opening a standard retail bakery (roughly 1,400 sq ft in a mid-size US market) costs $498,…
🍺 Bar / lounge
Opening a standard bar or lounge (roughly 2,800 sq ft in a mid-size US market) costs $946,…
☕ Coffee shop
Opening a standard 1,200 sq ft coffee shop in a mid-size US market costs $457,000 all-in, …
🍽️ Restaurant
Opening a standard full-service restaurant (~2,800 sq ft, mid-size US market) costs $969,0…
🛵 Cloud kitchen
Opening a standard cloud kitchen (roughly 400 sq ft in a mid-size US market) costs $208,00…
🍦 Ice cream shop
Opening a standard ice cream shop (~1,100 sq ft, mid-size US market) costs $404,500 in tot…
🧋 Boba / bubble tea
Opening a standard boba shop (roughly 1,000 sq ft, mid-size US market) costs $374,000 in t…
Step 2 — run your own numbers. The free calculator gives you your cost to open, your ×1.4 cash reserve, and your break-even in about 30 seconds.
Step 3 — get it on paper. The Startup Budget Worksheet and the One-Page Fundable Business Plan turn the numbers into the documents a bank or partner actually wants. Before any lease conversation, read the 7 Lease Clauses Checklist.
Step 4 — go deeper, free. The Profitable Restaurant Owner Academy is the full course, start to finish.
Path two: already running a spot
Find out where the money is hiding.
Step 1 — run the free 4-number P&L read: sales, food, labor, rent in; where you're bleeding out.
Step 2 — print the 3 Numbers Scorecard and track AOV, prime cost, and burn weekly. The repeat-customer trend warns you 30 to 60 days before the P&L does.
Step 3 — if you want a second set of eyes on your numbers, here's how working with me goes. And if it's not a fit, the free stuff above will still get you there.