Cost of Opening a Restaurant in Egypt: A Complete Guide

Opening a restaurant in Egypt is considered one of the most attractive business ventures and enjoys significant demand. However, success starts with a precise understanding of costs and basic requirements before execution. The question “How much does it cost to open a restaurant in Egypt?” does not have a fixed answer; rather, it depends on several factors such as the type of business, restaurant size, location, and level of equipment and finishes. Required equipment also varies from one restaurant to another depending on the nature of the food offered and the scale of operations.

In this article, we explain the cost of opening a restaurant in Egypt and the most important equipment required based on your business type, helping you plan properly and make a successful investment decision.

Cost of Opening a Restaurant in Egypt

Before starting your restaurant project, it is essential to have a clear vision of the cost of opening a restaurant in Egypt. This helps with proper financial planning and avoids unexpected surprises during execution and operation.

The total project cost varies based on several factors. Kitchen setup and core equipment represent a significant portion of the required capital, typically ranging between 30% and 50% of the total project cost, depending on the type of restaurant.

The main cost components of opening a restaurant in Egypt include:

• Rent or property purchase: Rental costs vary according to location and space. Prime downtown areas or locations near shopping malls are usually more expensive. 
• Finishing and décor: Includes interior design, flooring, lighting, and customer furniture. 
• Essential kitchen equipment: Such as ovens, fryers, grills, and refrigerators. Kitchen setup costs may start from EGP 150,000 for small restaurants and increase significantly depending on project size. 
• Licenses and government permits: Such as commercial registration, health licenses, and safety certificates. 
• Initial operation and labor: Salaries for chefs, service staff, and initial operating costs such as raw materials. 

Factors Affecting the Cost of Opening a Restaurant in Egypt

There is no unified cost for opening a restaurant in Egypt. The required budget varies from one project to another based on several interrelated factors that directly impact investment size. Understanding these factors helps estimate the real cost of your project, choose the right business model, and avoid overestimating or underestimating expenses.

Key factors include:

• Type of restaurant and activity: Fast food restaurants differ in cost from family or fine-dining restaurants. 
• Geographic location: Costs vary significantly between popular neighborhoods, prime areas, and commercial malls. 
• Restaurant size: Larger spaces mean higher rent, finishing, equipment, and labor costs. 
• Level of finishing and décor: Simple décor reduces costs, while modern and luxurious designs increase the budget. 
• Quality and type of equipment: Imported or high-quality equipment is more expensive but lasts longer. 
• Number of employees: Team size and salaries directly affect operating costs. 
• Licensing and legal procedures: Fees vary depending on location and business type. 
• Marketing and branding: Advertising campaigns and brand design may increase or reduce costs based on the chosen strategy. 

What Equipment Is Needed to Open a Restaurant?

Identifying the necessary equipment and fittings is crucial for successfully operating a restaurant, as they directly affect service quality, production speed, and customer experience. Equipment varies depending on restaurant type (fast food, family dining, broasted chicken, pizza, etc.), but some core tools are essential for smooth operations.

Key equipment includes:

• Core cooking equipment: Industrial ovens, grills, stoves, and deep fryers. 
• Refrigeration and freezing equipment: Display refrigerators, freezers, and prep tables to keep ingredients fresh. 
• Food preparation equipment: Meat grinders, vegetable cutters, and stainless-steel worktables. 
• Cleaning and washing equipment: Stainless-steel sinks and industrial dishwashers. 
• Customer service equipment: POS systems, customer furniture (tables and chairs), and electronic payment devices. 
• Ventilation and safety equipment: Exhaust systems to remove smoke and steam, complying with occupational safety standards. 

What Are the Essential Restaurant Equipment Items?

Essential restaurant equipment refers to tools that no restaurant project can operate without, whether it’s a small fast-food outlet or a medium-sized family restaurant. These include:

• Cooking ovens: Available in different sizes and types. 
• Fryers and grills: Essential for fast food and grill-based menus. 
• Refrigeration and freezing units: Upright refrigerators and freezers for safe food storage. 
• Food prep equipment: Cutters and grinders for ingredient preparation. 
• Sinks and dishwashers: For maintaining cleanliness and workflow efficiency. 
• Small support tools: Blenders, food processors, and manual kitchen tools. 
• Safety and ventilation systems: Air exhaust systems and fire detectors. 

Recommended from our store:

• Open-front display refrigerator 
• 3-door pizza preparation refrigerator 
• 3-door undercounter stainless steel freezer 
• Linecat gas oven with 6 burners 

Restaurant Equipment Prices in Egypt

Determining restaurant equipment prices in Egypt is a crucial part of calculating total startup costs, as equipment often represents one of the highest expenses before operation.

Approximate prices include:

• Deep fryers: Starting from EGP 18,000 up to EGP 50,000 or more. 
• Grills (flat or charcoal): EGP 15,000 – 40,000. 
• Commercial ovens: Starting from EGP 20,000 and increasing based on specifications. 
• Refrigeration equipment: Starting from EGP 25,000 per unit. 
• Food preparation equipment: Starting from EGP 10,000. 
• Industrial ventilation systems: Starting from EGP 12,000 and above.

How to Choose the Most Important Restaurant Equipment

Choosing the right equipment is a critical step that directly impacts operational efficiency, food quality, and customer experience. Proper planning helps reduce costs, avoid breakdowns, and ensure smooth operations.

Key considerations:

• Define your restaurant type and expected daily volume. 
• Invest in high-quality, durable equipment. 
• Ensure sufficient capacity and productivity. 
• Choose modern equipment with advanced functions. 
• Prioritize ease of cleaning and maintenance. 
• Consider energy and operating costs. 
• Ensure warranty and after-sales support. 
• Compare suppliers, prices, and specifications carefully. 

The Seven Essential Elements of a Successful Restaurant

Every successful restaurant relies on seven core elements that ensure a complete customer experience:

1. Location and space 
2. Kitchen and equipment 
3. Menu and food concept 
4. Staff and management 
5. Service and customer experience 
6. Marketing and branding 
7. Cleanliness and safety 

Steps to Open a Restaurant in Egypt

Opening a restaurant in Egypt requires careful planning and systematic execution:

1. Conduct a feasibility study 
2. Choose the right location 
3. Obtain licenses and permits 
4. Design and fit out the space 
5. Equip the kitchen 
6. Hire and train staff 
7. Prepare the menu 
8. Develop a marketing plan 
9. Officially launch the restaurant 

Best Restaurant Equipment Available at Target Egypt

Target Egypt is a specialized company in equipping professional kitchens and restaurants with high-quality standards, offering a wide range of imported, globally recognized brands, along with integrated maintenance and after-sales services.

1. Foster EPRO20BSR Single-Door Upright Refrigerator

Designed for professional kitchens, offering durability, energy efficiency, and long-term value.

2. Falcon G3161 Gas Oven Range

Features four high-performance burners and a spacious traditional oven, ideal for busy commercial kitchens.

3. Commercial Conveyor Dishwasher (Tunnel Type)

Perfect for high-volume restaurants, ensuring fast, efficient, and hygienic dishwashing operations.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Cost of Opening a Restaurant in Egypt

Should I buy new or used equipment?
New equipment offers better quality and warranty, while used equipment is cheaper but may require frequent maintenance.

What are the biggest expenses when opening a restaurant?
Rent, finishing and décor, essential equipment, and staff salaries during the initial months.

Do costs vary by area?
Yes. Prime locations and malls have higher rents, while secondary areas may require stronger marketing efforts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we have explored the cost of opening a restaurant in Egypt and the factors influencing it—from choosing the right location and equipment, to interior setup, licensing, staffing, menu planning, and marketing strategy. We also reviewed essential restaurant equipment, price ranges, and the seven core elements that ensure success.

With proper planning and a clear financial and strategic roadmap, entrepreneurs can launch their restaurant with confidence and achieve success in Egypt’s competitive market.