CASE STUDY 01 · INDEPENDENT CAFÉ
From Home Kitchen to High-Street Success
How lease negotiation, accessibility requirements, and buildout funding helped a first-time cafe owner open a compliant public venue.
A First Commercial Location, Ready For Public Service.
A home-based artisan kitchen developed enough local demand to support a brick-and-mortar cafe. Before signing, the founder asked Day One to review the commercial opportunity and the work required to open the space.
THE CHALLENGE
What Had To Be Solved
The space had to meet municipal requirements for an accessible washroom, permits, and health and safety standards before it could serve the public.
Without those items addressed in the lease and project plan, the owner risked significant upfront costs, delays, and rent on a space that could not yet operate.
OUR SOLUTION
How Day One Coordinated The Work
The work connected the commercial decision to the operational and physical requirements that had to be resolved before the business could move forward.
01
Landlord-funded accessibility work
Negotiated for the landlord to fund the full $22,000 installation of the required accessible washroom.
02
Improved lease economics
Secured a lower base rent than the initial offer and a free-rent period during the setup phase.
03
Long-term lease protection
Negotiated renewal options and other lease provisions to support the cafe beyond opening day.
THE OUTCOME
The Café Opened On Schedule And Met Municipal Standards.
The required accessibility work was funded by the landlord, and the lease terms gave the owner more room to prepare for opening. The cafe launched on schedule in compliance with municipal requirements.