No doubt about it: Toronto is an incredible place to live—and own a restaurant. Of course, there are also drawbacks to starting a business in this sprawling metropolis. From sky-high rent and real estate prices to the high level of competitiveness, it’s not always fun being a small fish in a very large pond.
Fortunately, Ontario is full of charming cities and towns that are ideal for restauranteurs. So if you’re looking for the perfect place for your bistro, pub, or fine dining establishment, you have options!
Here are ten Ontario places (that aren’t Toronto) where you may want to consider opening your restaurant…
1) Guelph
You can expect to pay far less to buy or lease a restaurant space in Guelph than you would in Toronto. Given that the city has deep agricultural roots, it’s also a great place to connect with suppliers.
In addition, Guelph is frequently ranked as a top city—including one of the best places to raise a family, and for new Canadians and millennials. The fact that the city is ideal for people from all walks of life is good news, since it means there’s likely a market for pretty much every type of restaurant you can imagine.
Searching for helpful resources about day-to-day restaurant operations? Explore these posts from our blog.
- Pricing and Inflation in the Restaurant Industry
- How to Retain Restaurant Staff
- Finding the Next Great Neighbourhood Spot
2) Peterborough
Being in the hospitality industry in Peterborough is a wonderful thing. The Kawarthas region attracts 31,000 seasonal residents—and when they visit, they want to have a good time. Often, that means enjoying a night out in the closest city!
If you’re thinking of opening a restaurant in Peterborough, you’ll also enjoy the incredible balance of city and country life that draws so many locals and cottagers in.
Not ready to commit to a place outside of Toronto? There are plenty of amazing neighbourhoods where you can open an eatery in Canada’s biggest city! Learn about five fantastic options here.
3) Ottawa
Canada’s capital is a great place to open a restaurant. To start with, the city is home to a large number of well-paid government employees, many of whom enjoy an incredible meal. On top of that, it attracts an estimated 11 million tourists every year—which is a lot of potential diners.
From Byward Market to Little Italy to The Glebe, Ottawa is home to many charming neighbourhoods with thriving restaurant districts. It also offers an amazing quality of life, which is a major bonus for you.
4) Kingston
Kingston is sometimes overlooked by aspiring restaurateurs, but it shouldn’t be. From its growing population to its hungry students and farm-to-table foodies, there are many reasons to set up shop in this picturesque city.
Perhaps one of Kingston’s biggest selling points is its prices. If you’re planning to buy a restaurant, prices can begin anywhere between $80,000 to $400,000. That’s a far cry from what you could expect in a place like Toronto!
5) Hamilton
In recent years, Hamilton has come a long way from its steel-town roots. It’s attracting its fair share of millennial homebuyers—and some top Toronto chefs and restaurateurs, too.
Becoming part of the city’s lively food scene also means enjoying its relatively affordable prices, trendy amenities, and beautiful natural surroundings. You’ll also be just a short drive (or GO Train ride) from the GTA.
Building a plan to start up your restaurant? Check out some of our resources to get a head start!
- Your Restaurant Startup Cost Checklist
- Restaurant Design: 5 Tips for a Stunning and Effective Space
- Top 5 Mistakes Restaurateurs Make When Opening an Eatery
6) Burlington
If you’re looking for a community where you can start a successful restaurant and put down roots, Burlington is ideal. This Halton Region gem has been named both the best place to live in Canada and the best community to raise a family!
A steady influx of monied families has raised the appetite for dining out to an all-time high. Could Burlington be right for your next eatery?
7) Oakville
If fine dining is your thing, it’s wise to look for a relatively affluent community for your restaurant. Oakville definitely fits the bill. Most residents have plenty of extra money to spend, and many are looking for the finer things—like high-end golf and country clubs and incredible meals.
If you can afford the cost of living in Oakville, you’re going to love it. Put simply, it’s the perfect place to live, work, and play!
8) Mississauga
Interested in opening a restaurant in the GTA? You might want to opt for Mississauga. While it sits close to Toronto, it’s an exciting city in its own right. A wonderful new restaurant is bound to find plenty of fanfare here!
Buzzworthy areas like beautiful Port Credit are ripe for further development. Consider doing your research—and checking out some local areas and restaurant spaces for yourself.
9) Kitchener & Waterloo
Like every other place on this list, Kitchener and Waterloo boast average startup costs that are lower than what you’ll find in Toronto. But there are other reasons to consider one of these twin cities.
Kitchener and Waterloo are big enough to offer everything you need, and small enough to provide a strong sense of community. That could mean plenty of local devotees for your eatery. You’ll also enjoy being part of an increasingly vibrant restaurant scene (and sampling the dishes of your competition!)
Thinking of opening an eatery in Kitchener, Waterloo, or Cambridge? Learn what makes the area so great for restaurateurs here.
10) Brampton
The City of Brampton has a whole lot to offer aspiring restaurant owners. First off, it’s a very diverse place, and its eateries reflect that. Whether you’re opening a roti shop, pizzeria, or sushi restaurant, you’ll feel right at home.
Brampton is also one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. It’s an exciting thing to be a part of—especially if you’re a fan of suburban living!
There are so many reasons to open a restaurant in Toronto, but just as many to consider doing so elsewhere in the province. If you’re interested in discovering more locations across Ontario, get in touch! It would be our pleasure to discuss it with you.
Ready to learn more about purchasing an eatery? Download our Ultimate Guide to Buying a Restaurant here.
