We are asked this weekly: what does a QSR fit-out actually cost. The honest answer is a range, and the range is wide — because two 1,500 sq ft units in the same plaza can differ by $100,000 depending on what the landlord left behind and what the brand standard demands.
The typical range
For a 1,200–1,800 sq ft QSR shell fit-out in the GTA (Oakville, Milton, Burlington, Mississauga, Hamilton):
- Cold shell to turnkey: $180,000 – $320,000
- Warm shell to turnkey: $140,000 – $240,000
- Rebrand of an existing operating unit: $80,000 – $160,000
What drives the range
HVAC and hood exhaust. Type I hood systems with make-up air can run $35K–$70K depending on roof run, curb work, and municipal review. This is where quotes vary most.
Grease trap and sanitary. Landlord shells often leave a stub. Actual sanitary connection, sizing the trap, and any core drilling can add $8K–$20K.
Electrical service. If the shell is under-serviced, a panel upgrade and service change can add $15K–$40K plus utility timeline.
Millwork and equipment package. Franchisor spec packages vary widely. A brand-mandated equipment list is not negotiable.
Landlord work letter. Read this before signing the LOI. A short work letter can save $30K–$60K.
Where owners tend to underspend
Permit and design fees. Budget 6–10% of construction cost. Trying to skip stamped drawings almost always doubles the timeline.
Signage and exterior. Often carved out of the construction budget and forgotten until opening week.
Contingency. For fit-outs we recommend 10%. For rebrands of existing operating units, 15%. Existing conditions are the single largest variable.
Our position
We give QSR owners a fixed price against a defined scope, and we flag the landlord-work items and utility timeline before mobilization. The number is honest; the schedule accounts for the parts we do not control.