How Much Do Restaurant Owners Make In Canada?

Across Canada, the average salary for restaurant owners ranges from $50,000 to $85,000 CAD annually, depending on factors such as location, restaurant type, and operational performance. These figures reflect a mix of sole proprietors and incorporated business owners, with earnings influenced heavily by regional market conditions and local customer demand.

Some sources place the average at $79,000 per year and others report an average of C$59,000. While these figures vary significantly, this article will look at how much restaurant owners make on average in major Canadian cities as well as factors that influence these numbers.

Toronto, Ontario

Toronto is Canada’s largest and most diverse foodservice market, offering restaurant owners a wealth of opportunity and intense competition. Owners in Toronto earn approximately an average of $88,691 annually, driven by high customer traffic, strong disposable income, and a dense population of food-savvy consumers.

However, the city’s high real estate costs, labour shortages, and regulatory requirements can significantly impact profitability. Success here often depends on your ability to differentiate your brand and maintain operational efficiency in a fast-paced, high-cost environment.

Calgary, Alberta

In Calgary, restaurant owners bring in an average of $86,737 per year, benefiting from the city’s strong middle class, business activity, and appetite for casual and upscale dining experiences. The economic influence of Alberta’s energy sector supports higher consumer spending in hospitality, making Calgary a lucrative market for well-managed restaurants.

That said, owners must be mindful of economic cycles and shifting demand during oil industry fluctuations. The city’s growing diversity also offers a strong base for multicultural and fusion dining concepts.

Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver restaurant owners earn an average of $86,638 annually, with salaries ranging up to $100,847. The city is known for its strong dining culture, tourism economy, and health-conscious consumers, which together support a thriving restaurant market. With 3.6 restaurants per 1,000 residents, Vancouver is one of the most competitive cities for foodservice in Canada.

Profitability here hinges on efficient management, customer loyalty, and alignment with local dining preferences such as sustainability, global cuisines, and plant-forward menus.

Edmonton, Alberta

Restaurant owners in Edmonton earn around $83,775 annually. Entry-level owners start near $64,772, while experienced restaurateurs can reach earnings of $99,203. As Alberta’s capital, Edmonton benefits from a stable public sector, university presence, and a growing culinary scene.

With a lower cost of living compared to other major cities, restaurant owners can enjoy better margins if operations are well-optimized. Neighborhood-specific concepts and community-driven marketing tend to perform well here.

Get Started

Ottawa, Ontario

In Ottawa, restaurant owners earn roughly $83,031 annually, aligning closely with other major cities in Canada. As the nation’s capital, Ottawa provides a relatively stable economic environment supported by government employment, universities, and tourism. The city tends to reward consistency and quality over trend-chasing, making it ideal for restaurateurs who can maintain high service standards and develop a loyal customer base. With lower real estate costs than Toronto and fewer operational surprises, Ottawa can offer a strong foundation for sustainable restaurant growth.

Montreal, Quebec

Montreal’s restaurant owners earn an average of $82,099 per year, with salaries typically ranging from $62,395 to $95,563. As one of North America’s most culturally rich and food-focused cities, Montreal has a loyal dining population and a vibrant culinary tourism scene.

However, with 2.7 restaurants per 1,000 residents, competition is moderate and manageable. Success in Montreal often depends on catering to local tastes, understanding the city’s language and cultural nuances, and managing tight profit margins amid rising costs and provincial regulations.

Factors That Affect Owner Income

Market Saturation

The number of restaurants per capita is a key factor. For example:

Victoria: 4.6 restaurants per 1,000 residents (highly saturated)
Vancouver: 3.6 per 1,000
Montreal: 2.7 per 1,000

High density often means more competition, requiring stronger branding, customer service, and innovation to thrive.

Profit Margins

The restaurant industry is notorious for tight margins. In Canada:

Average net profit margin is between 3–5%
After expenses, many owners keep just 2–6% of total sales as profit
Efficiency, upselling, and customer retention are essential for growth

Industry Headwinds

Running a restaurant in today’s environment comes with serious challenges:

62% of restaurants are operating at a loss or just breaking even
Labor, rent, and food costs continue to rise
Post-pandemic recovery has been uneven, especially in urban centers

Conclusion

Restaurant ownership in Canada can be financially rewarding but success depends on more than just food quality. Your location, concept, cost control, and operational execution all play critical roles in determining your earnings.

If you’re considering opening a restaurant, use this income data as a benchmark but also dig deeper into local market dynamics, lease terms, labour availability, and competition.

In an increasingly competitive industry, well-informed planning is your best investment.

Sources

https://www.pushoperations.com/blog/how-much-do-restaurant-owners-make
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/What-Is-the-Average-Restaurant-Owner-Salary-by-State
https://www.erieri.com/salary/job/restaurant-owner/canada/alberta
https://ca.indeed.com/career/restaurant-manager/salaries/New-Brunswick
https://www.erieri.com/salary/job/restaurant-owner/canada/newfoundland-and-labrador/gander
https://ca.indeed.com/q-food-manager-l-prince-edward-island-jobs.html
https://www.salaryexpert.com/salary/job/restaurant-owner/canada/nunavut
https://www.careerbeacon.com/en/cost-of-living/whitehorse_yukon/98000-salary
https://www.erieri.com/salary/job/restaurant-owner/canada/ontario/toronto
www.salaryexpert.com/salary/job/restaurant-owner/canada/alberta/edmonton
https://ca.indeed.com/career/owner/salaries/Montréal–QC
https://tourismns.ca/sites/default/files/RANS Guide-PrintHiRes (1) – smaller.pdf
https://www.7shifts.com/blog/restaurant-profit-margins