Find the difference
that matters.
Hold the restaurant format and sales plan constant. Then inspect what local cost assumptions do to the result.
These are not rankings.
Austin and Orlando rents have different evidence strength. Coffee has a different revenue unit. Numerical precision does not remove those comparison limits.
Check the evidence →| Measure | Restaurant Austin | Restaurant Orlando | Coffee Shop Austin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Footprint | 1,800 sq ft | 1,800 sq ft | 1,000 sq ft |
| Revenue unit | guest | guest | transaction |
| Base demand / day | 110 | 110 | 170 |
| Planned net check | $28.00 | $28.00 | $7.50 |
| Base rent + NNN / month | $5,250 | $6,750 | $3,333 |
| Loaded team / month | $37,442 | $38,796 | $14,475 |
| Pre-opening payments | $241,298 | $245,786 | $133,737 |
| Operating cash reserve | $87,534 | $102,603 | $43,762 |
| Undrawn contingency | $21,981 | $21,981 | $11,392 |
| Total funding | $350,812 | $370,371 | $188,892 |
| Normalised mature EBIT | $3,089 | $299 | $567 |
| Year 1 EBIT | -$43,451 | -$76,980 | -$26,714 |
| Year 1 project cash | -$32,251 | -$66,848 | -$19,387 |
| EBIT target / open day | 104 guests | 110 guests | 166 transactions |
| Sustained payback | Not within 60 months | Not within 60 months | Not within 60 months |
The matched restaurant comparison
Both restaurants assume 48 seats, 1,800 sq ft, 110 guests/day and a $28 service-included net check in Base. The equipment basket and $65/sq ft narrow renovation allowance are held equal; this controls format, not actual local contractor cost. Orlando's base/NNN allowance, chosen hiring wages and scoped fees differ.
Neither case establishes which city offers better demand. Orlando's price assumption sits above many sampled entrée-plus-drink examples and needs a willingness-to-pay test. A restaurant is not viable because it narrowly clears a modeled cost threshold.
What would improve the decision?
- A site and a signed cost scope
Lease, NNN reconciliation, equipment ownership, approved seats and contractor quote.
- Demand at the planned price
Daypart observations, conversion, menu mix, price testing and repeat visits. Capacity and traffic counts are not customer demand.
- A quoted operating plan
Supplier recipes, staffed shifts and relief, insurance, utilities, benefits and approval timing.
Financial information disclaimer
Published research and calculations support business planning and education. They are not personalized financial, investment, tax or legal advice, and they do not guarantee costs, revenue, profit or financing. Estimates depend on the stated format, location, source periods and assumptions. Check the requirements and commitments that apply to your circumstances.