{"product_id":"retro-arcade-gaming-cafe-startup-costs","title":"Retro Arcade Cafe Startup Costs: $163K CAPEX and $805K Cash Need","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"double_border\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-plus-icon.svg\" alt=\"Key Takeaways\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Takeaways\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cul class=\"lst_crct_blog\"\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eArcade equipment needs a separate budget from base CAPEX.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eLeasehold improvements anchor the buildout at $75,000.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eCafe equipment totals $63,000 before smallwares and inventory.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eRecurring costs drive cash burn after opening fast.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #126CFF;\"\u003eEstimate Startup Costs with Calculator\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"fml-capex-calculator\" aria-label=\"Retro Arcade Cafe Startup CAPEX Calculator\" data-locale=\"en-US\" data-currency=\"USD\" data-default-scenario=\"base\" data-export-filename=\"Startup CAPEX calculator.xlsx\" data-source-site-name=\"Financial Models Lab\" data-source-site-url=\"https:\/\/financialmodelslab.com\" data-source-page-title=\"Retro Arcade Cafe Startup CAPEX Calculator\" data-note-title=\"What this excludes\" data-note-text=\"Excludes inventory, payroll runway, deposits, debt service, working capital, rent after opening, financing costs, and recurring operating costs. Base source CAPEX is $163,000 before arcade cabinet line-item detail; contingency applies only to included capital costs.\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-card\"\u003e\n\u003cheader class=\"fml-capex-header\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-heading\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"fml-capex-eyebrow\"\u003eStartup CAPEX Calculator\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"fml-capex-intro\"\u003eEstimates capitalized startup assets only, before inventory, payroll runway, or other non-CAPEX funding needs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-scenarios\" aria-label=\"Scenario presets\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton class=\"fml-capex-scenario\" type=\"button\" data-scenario=\"lean\"\u003eLean\u003c\/button\u003e\u003cbutton class=\"fml-capex-scenario is-active\" type=\"button\" data-scenario=\"base\"\u003eBase\u003c\/button\u003e\u003cbutton class=\"fml-capex-scenario\" type=\"button\" data-scenario=\"full\"\u003eFull\u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/header\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-layout\"\u003e\n\u003cform class=\"fml-capex-inputs\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-row\"\u003e\n\u003clabel class=\"fml-capex-label\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eArcade Cabinet Reserve\u003c\/span\u003e\u003csmall\u003eCabinets, pinball, restoration, shipping\/setup, and token readers.\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/label\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-money\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e$\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cinput data-capex-field=\"arcade_capex\" data-capex-kind=\"money\" data-capex-label=\"Arcade Cabinet Reserve\" data-capex-note=\"Cabinets, pinball, restoration, shipping\/setup, and token readers.\" data-lean=\"500\" data-base=\"1000\" data-full=\"2500\" name=\"arcade_capex\" type=\"text\" inputmode=\"numeric\" value=\"1,000\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-row\"\u003e\n\u003clabel class=\"fml-capex-label\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCafe Equipment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003csmall\u003eEspresso\/bar equipment, refrigeration, and prep equipment.\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/label\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-money\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e$\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cinput data-capex-field=\"cafe_capex\" data-capex-kind=\"money\" data-capex-label=\"Cafe Equipment\" data-capex-note=\"Espresso\/bar equipment, refrigeration, and prep equipment.\" data-lean=\"52000\" data-base=\"57000\" data-full=\"62000\" name=\"cafe_capex\" type=\"text\" inputmode=\"numeric\" value=\"57,000\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-row\"\u003e\n\u003clabel class=\"fml-capex-label\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBuildout Improvements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003csmall\u003eLeasehold improvements, electrical upgrades, and signage.\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/label\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-money\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e$\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cinput data-capex-field=\"buildout_capex\" data-capex-kind=\"money\" data-capex-label=\"Buildout Improvements\" data-capex-note=\"Leasehold improvements, electrical upgrades, and signage.\" data-lean=\"70000\" data-base=\"75000\" data-full=\"82000\" name=\"buildout_capex\" type=\"text\" inputmode=\"numeric\" value=\"75,000\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-row\"\u003e\n\u003clabel class=\"fml-capex-label\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTech Setup\u003c\/span\u003e\u003csmall\u003ePOS hardware, security cameras, and website setup.\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/label\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-money\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e$\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cinput data-capex-field=\"tech_capex\" data-capex-kind=\"money\" data-capex-label=\"Tech Setup\" data-capex-note=\"POS hardware, security cameras, and website setup.\" data-lean=\"14000\" data-base=\"16000\" data-full=\"19000\" name=\"tech_capex\" type=\"text\" inputmode=\"numeric\" value=\"16,000\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-row\"\u003e\n\u003clabel class=\"fml-capex-label\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFurniture and Displays\u003c\/span\u003e\u003csmall\u003eFurniture, retail displays, and decor.\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/label\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-money\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e$\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cinput data-capex-field=\"fixtures_capex\" data-capex-kind=\"money\" data-capex-label=\"Furniture and Displays\" data-capex-note=\"Furniture, retail displays, and decor.\" data-lean=\"12000\" data-base=\"14000\" data-full=\"16500\" name=\"fixtures_capex\" type=\"text\" inputmode=\"numeric\" value=\"14,000\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-row\"\u003e\n\u003clabel class=\"fml-capex-label\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eContingency Reserve\u003c\/span\u003e\u003csmall\u003eCovers overruns on capital items only.\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/label\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-percent\"\u003e\n\u003cinput data-capex-field=\"contingency\" data-capex-kind=\"percent\" name=\"contingency\" type=\"range\" min=\"0\" max=\"20\" step=\"1\" data-lean=\"5\" data-base=\"10\" data-full=\"15\" value=\"10\"\u003e\u003coutput data-capex-output=\"contingencyValue\"\u003e10%\u003c\/output\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/form\u003e\n\u003caside class=\"fml-capex-results\" aria-live=\"polite\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-capex-tag\"\u003eCAPEX output\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-total\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eTotal startup CAPEX\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong data-capex-output=\"totalCapex\"\u003e$179,300\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdl class=\"fml-capex-result-list\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdt\u003eSubtotal before contingency\u003c\/dt\u003e\n\u003cdd data-capex-output=\"subtotal\"\u003e$163,000\u003c\/dd\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdt\u003eContingency amount\u003c\/dt\u003e\n\u003cdd data-capex-output=\"contingencyAmount\"\u003e$16,300\u003c\/dd\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdt\u003eLargest cost driver\u003c\/dt\u003e\n\u003cdd data-capex-output=\"largestDriver\"\u003eBuildout Improvements\u003c\/dd\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/dl\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-chart\" aria-label=\"CAPEX cost category breakdown\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-bar-row\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eArcade CAPEX\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003ci data-capex-bar=\"arcade_capex\" style=\"--fml-capex-share: 1%;\"\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cb data-capex-share=\"arcade_capex\"\u003e1%\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-bar-row\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eCafe CAPEX\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003ci data-capex-bar=\"cafe_capex\" style=\"--fml-capex-share: 35%;\"\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cb data-capex-share=\"cafe_capex\"\u003e35%\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-bar-row\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eBuildout CAPEX\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003ci data-capex-bar=\"buildout_capex\" style=\"--fml-capex-share: 46%;\"\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cb data-capex-share=\"buildout_capex\"\u003e46%\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-bar-row\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eTech CAPEX\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003ci data-capex-bar=\"tech_capex\" style=\"--fml-capex-share: 10%;\"\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cb data-capex-share=\"tech_capex\"\u003e10%\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-bar-row\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eFixtures CAPEX\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003ci data-capex-bar=\"fixtures_capex\" style=\"--fml-capex-share: 9%;\"\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cb data-capex-share=\"fixtures_capex\"\u003e9%\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cbutton class=\"fml-capex-export\" type=\"button\" data-capex-export\u003eEXPORT XLSX\u003c\/button\u003e\u003c\/aside\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-note\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"fml-capex-note-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat this excludes\u003c\/strong\u003e Excludes inventory, payroll runway, deposits, debt service, working capital, rent after opening, financing costs, and recurring operating costs. Base source CAPEX is $163,000 before arcade cabinet line-item detail; contingency applies only to included capital costs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"container_new_design_blog\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"text-section_blog text-2_new_design_blog\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"line_top_blog\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #126CFF;\"\u003eWhat does the startup cost view show?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis screenshot shows CAPEX and expenses; open the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/retro-arcade-gaming-cafe-financial-model\"\u003eRetro Arcade Cafe Financial Model Template\u003c\/a\u003e to review launch timing and depreciation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eScreenshot highlights\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"lst_crct_blog\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMonth 1–9\u003c\/strong\u003e CAPEX schedule\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e$75k\u003c\/strong\u003e leasehold improvements\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e$7.5k\u003c\/strong\u003e website setup\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e$163k\u003c\/strong\u003e total CAPEX\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e$805k\u003c\/strong\u003e minimum cash\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMonth 4\u003c\/strong\u003e breakeven\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e22-month\u003c\/strong\u003e payback\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYear 1\u003c\/strong\u003e EBITDA: \u003cstrong\u003e$70k\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"image-section_blog image-2_new_design_blog\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"preview-card\" data-preview-src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/retro-arcade-gaming-cafe-financial-model-capex-financialmodelslab_f012cb8e-84d9-4170-9262-a1e092cfa4d6.webp\"\u003e\n\u003cimg class=\"preview-img\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\" src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/retro-arcade-gaming-cafe-financial-model-capex-financialmodelslab_f012cb8e-84d9-4170-9262-a1e092cfa4d6.webp?width=500\" alt=\"Retro Arcade Cafe Financial Model capex inputs, listing capital expenditures and asset schedules so users customize equipment, renovations, and setup costs for scenario-ready funding and startup planning.\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"preview-overlay\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton class=\"preview-btn\" type=\"button\" style=\"align-items: center; vertical-align: middle; display: inline-flex; justify-content: center; gap: 6px; line-height: 1;\"\u003e\nPREVIEW \u003csvg fill=\"#fff\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" role=\"presentation\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"14\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M416 176V86.63L246.6 256L416 425.4V336c0-8.844 7.156-16 16-16s16 7.156 16 16v128c0 8.844-7.156 16-16 16h-128c-8.844 0-16-7.156-16-16s7.156-16 16-16h89.38L224 278.6L54.63 448H144C152.8 448 160 455.2 160 464S152.8 480 144 480h-128C7.156 480 0 472.8 0 464v-128C0 327.2 7.156 320 16 320S32 327.2 32 336v89.38L201.4 256L32 86.63V176C32 184.8 24.84 192 16 192S0 184.8 0 176v-128C0 39.16 7.156 32 16 32h128C152.8 32 160 39.16 160 48S152.8 64 144 64H54.63L224 233.4L393.4 64H304C295.2 64 288 56.84 288 48S295.2 32 304 32h128C440.8 32 448 39.16 448 48v128C448 184.8 440.8 192 432 192S416 184.8 416 176z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\n\u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #126CFF;\"\u003eHow much money do I need to open a retro arcade cafe?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou need about \u003cstrong\u003e$805,000\u003c\/strong\u003e to open a \u003cstrong\u003eRetro Arcade Cafe\u003c\/strong\u003e in this base case, not just the \u003cstrong\u003e$163,000\u003c\/strong\u003e equipment and buildout budget; track the ramp with \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/kpi-metrics\/retro-arcade-gaming-cafe\"\u003eWhat Is The Most Critical Metric To Measure The Success Of Retro Arcade Cafe?\u003c\/a\u003e. Here’s the quick math: fixed costs are \u003cstrong\u003e$11,980\/month\u003c\/strong\u003e plus Year 1 payroll of \u003cstrong\u003e$247,000\/year\u003c\/strong\u003e, or about \u003cstrong\u003e$20,583\/month\u003c\/strong\u003e, so core monthly overhead is roughly \u003cstrong\u003e$32,563\u003c\/strong\u003e before variable costs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"container_2_clmn_row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl blue_card\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-colons-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch3\u003eStartup funding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"lst_crct_blog\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e$163,000\u003c\/strong\u003e CAPEX for launch assets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDeposits and permits before opening\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePre-opening labor and initial inventory\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLaunch marketing and working capital\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-intro-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch3\u003ePlanning outputs\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"lst_crct_blog\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e$805,000\u003c\/strong\u003e minimum cash need in Month 2\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e$32,563\/month\u003c\/strong\u003e fixed payroll plus overhead\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBreakeven modeled in \u003cstrong\u003eMonth 4\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePayback modeled at \u003cstrong\u003e22 months\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #126CFF;\"\u003eHow much do arcade machines cost for a cafe?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can’t quote a reliable per-machine cost from the source data, so budget the arcade as a separate CAPEX line on top of the \u003cstrong\u003e$163,000\u003c\/strong\u003e modeled cafe\/buildout\/tech spend. The total swings with cabinet count, rarity, working condition, cosmetic restoration, monitor and control repairs, shipping, setup, parts, card readers, and a maintenance reserve.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"container_2_clmn_row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-intro-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCost drivers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"lst_crct_blog\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCabinet count changes total spend fast.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWorking units cost less than restores.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRarity usually pushes price up.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRepair scope adds real cash needs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl blue_card\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-colons-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBudget risks\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"lst_crct_blog\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRare machines can mean more downtime.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMonitor and control fixes add labor.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShipping and setup are separate costs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep a maintenance reserve in cash.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #126CFF;\"\u003eHow do I fund a retro arcade cafe?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFund the \u003cstrong\u003eRetro Arcade Cafe\u003c\/strong\u003e with a layered stack, not one big loan: owner equity, equipment financing, tenant improvement allowance, a small business loan, a working-capital line, and landlord concessions. The base case needs \u003cstrong\u003e$805,000\u003c\/strong\u003e of peak cash coverage in \u003cstrong\u003eMonth 2\u003c\/strong\u003e, with payback in \u003cstrong\u003e22 months\u003c\/strong\u003e. Lenders will want the CAPEX schedule, startup costs, first-year revenue assumptions, \u003cstrong\u003e$70,000\u003c\/strong\u003e Year 1 EBITDA, \u003cstrong\u003eMonth 4\u003c\/strong\u003e breakeven, and \u003cstrong\u003e$11,980\u003c\/strong\u003e in fixed monthly overhead before payroll.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"container_2_clmn_row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-intro-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFunding stack\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"lst_crct_blog\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e$805,000\u003c\/strong\u003e peak cash in Month 2\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSplit debt, equity, and concessions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse equipment financing for arcade gear\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep a working-capital line open\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl blue_card\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-colons-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch3\u003eLender packet\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"lst_crct_blog\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShow CAPEX and startup spend\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eModel \u003cstrong\u003e$70,000\u003c\/strong\u003e Year 1 EBITDA\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProve \u003cstrong\u003eMonth 4\u003c\/strong\u003e breakeven timing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStress-test permits, buildout, and covers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #126CFF;\"\u003eCalculate Fuding Needs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"fml-summary-static\" aria-label=\"Retro Arcade Cafe Startup Cost Summary\" data-locale=\"en-US\" data-currency=\"USD\" data-default-scenario=\"base\" data-export-filename=\"Retro Arcade Cafe Startup Cost Summary.xlsx\" data-site-name=\"Financial Models Lab\" data-site-url=\"https:\/\/financialmodelslab.com\" data-source-title=\"Retro Arcade Cafe Startup Cost Summary\" data-source-url=\"\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"fml-summary-static-card\"\u003e\n\u003cheader class=\"fml-summary-static-header\"\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"fml-summary-static-eyebrow\"\u003eStartup cost summary\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"fml-summary-static-description\"\u003eThis table summarizes startup asset spending and the opening operating reserve needed before breakeven.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-summary-static-actions\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-summary-static-scenarios\" aria-label=\"Highlight scenario\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton class=\"fml-summary-static-scenario\" type=\"button\" data-scenario=\"low\"\u003eLow\u003c\/button\u003e\u003cbutton class=\"fml-summary-static-scenario is-active\" type=\"button\" data-scenario=\"base\"\u003eBase\u003c\/button\u003e\u003cbutton class=\"fml-summary-static-scenario\" type=\"button\" data-scenario=\"high\"\u003eHigh\u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cbutton class=\"fml-summary-static-export\" type=\"button\" data-summary-export\u003eEXPORT XLSX\u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/header\u003e\u003csection class=\"fml-summary-static-metrics\" aria-live=\"polite\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"fml-summary-static-metric is-primary\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eHighlighted CAPEX\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong data-summary-metric=\"capex\"\u003e$163,000\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003csmall data-summary-metric=\"scenario\"\u003eBase planning example\u003c\/small\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-summary-static-metric is-warning\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eExcluded cash needs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong data-summary-metric=\"working\"\u003e$805,000\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003csmall\u003eOutside CAPEX total\u003c\/small\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-summary-static-metric\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eFunding need\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong data-summary-metric=\"funding\"\u003e$968,000\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003csmall\u003eCAPEX + excluded cash needs\u003c\/small\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"fml-summary-static-table-wrap\"\u003e\u003ctable class=\"fml-summary-static-table\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"col\"\u003eCost Category\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"col\" class=\"fml-summary-static-estimate-header\" data-summary-estimate-header\u003eBase Estimate\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"col\"\u003eMain Cost Driver\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"col\"\u003eCAPEX Calculator\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr data-summary-row data-low=\"65000\" data-base=\"75000\" data-high=\"85000\" data-capex=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLeasehold Improvements\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"fml-summary-static-estimate\" data-summary-value\u003e$75,000\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"fml-summary-static-driver\"\u003eBuild-out and tenant improvements\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-summary-static-pill\"\u003eYes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-summary-row data-low=\"50000\" data-base=\"57000\" data-high=\"65000\" data-capex=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCafe Production Equipment\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"fml-summary-static-estimate\" data-summary-value\u003e$57,000\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"fml-summary-static-driver\"\u003eCold press, refrigeration, and prep gear\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-summary-static-pill\"\u003eYes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-summary-row data-low=\"7000\" data-base=\"9000\" data-high=\"11000\" data-capex=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFurniture, Decor \u0026amp; Signage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"fml-summary-static-estimate\" data-summary-value\u003e$9,000\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"fml-summary-static-driver\"\u003eGuest seating and cafe finish-out\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-summary-static-pill\"\u003eYes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-summary-row data-low=\"14000\" data-base=\"16000\" data-high=\"19000\" data-capex=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTechnology \u0026amp; Security\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"fml-summary-static-estimate\" data-summary-value\u003e$16,000\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"fml-summary-static-driver\"\u003ePOS, website, and security setup\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-summary-static-pill\"\u003eYes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-summary-row data-low=\"5000\" data-base=\"6000\" data-high=\"7000\" data-capex=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRetail Display Cases \u0026amp; Shelving\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"fml-summary-static-estimate\" data-summary-value\u003e$6,000\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"fml-summary-static-driver\"\u003eDisplay and storage fixtures\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-summary-static-pill\"\u003eYes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"is-excluded\" data-summary-row data-low=\"725000\" data-base=\"805000\" data-high=\"885000\" data-capex=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOpening Operating Reserve\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"fml-summary-static-estimate\" data-summary-value\u003e$805,000\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"fml-summary-static-driver\"\u003eMonthly fixed costs and launch runway before breakeven\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-summary-static-pill is-no\"\u003eNo\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cfooter class=\"fml-summary-static-note\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-summary-static-note-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanning note:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ranges are researched; recurring rent, payroll, and other non-CAPEX needs sit outside startup assets.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/footer\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #126CFF;\"\u003eRetro Arcade Cafe Core Five Startup Costs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #126CFF;\"\u003eRetro Arcade Machine Costs Startup Expense\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl blue_card\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-colons-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch4\u003eBudget Scope\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour arcade budget is a separate line from the cafe build. It should cover \u003cstrong\u003ecabinets\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003epinball machines\u003c\/strong\u003e, shipping, repair labor, spare parts, restoration, setup, and card-reader or token gear, plus a start-up maintenance reserve. The source data does not give a priced machine schedule, so this total has to come from vendor quotes, not per-machine guesses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"container_2_clmn_row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_2\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-tips-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch4\u003ePrice Inputs\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEstimate each unit by \u003cstrong\u003emachine count\u003c\/strong\u003e, working versus restored condition, rarity, freight distance, and downtime tolerance. A working cabinet costs less than a restored one, and a rare unit can push up both labor and shipping. Build this as a separate arcade equipment budget on top of the \u003cstrong\u003e$163,000\u003c\/strong\u003e modeled CAPEX base.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-intro-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch4\u003eMaintenance\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter opening, tie the plan to the \u003cstrong\u003e$450\/month\u003c\/strong\u003e repairs and maintenance line. That reserve should cover bulbs, joysticks, monitors, card readers, token mechanisms, and small fixes before they create downtime. If the floor depends on older or restored units, keep the reserve higher; newer machines cut risk, but they do not remove it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"double_border\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-pin-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ffffff;\"\u003eSetup Fit\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSetup cost also includes placement, calibration, wiring, and testing before launch. The main mistake is buying for theme instead of uptime. If the room must stay full of playable machines, spend more on serviceable units and spare parts; if downtime is acceptable, restoration can lower day-one cash needs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #126CFF;\"\u003eCafe Equipment Costs Startup Expense\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl blue_card\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-colons-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch4\u003eCore Equipment\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe cafe equipment budget is \u003cstrong\u003e$63,000\u003c\/strong\u003e before smallwares and opening inventory. Here’s the math: \u003cstrong\u003e$30,000\u003c\/strong\u003e for the hydraulic cold press machine, \u003cstrong\u003e$15,000\u003c\/strong\u003e for commercial refrigeration, \u003cstrong\u003e$12,000\u003c\/strong\u003e for kitchen appliances and prep equipment, and \u003cstrong\u003e$6,000\u003c\/strong\u003e for retail display cases and shelving.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"container_2_clmn_row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-tips-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch4\u003eWhat It Covers\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis spend fits the Year 1 menu mix: \u003cstrong\u003e50%\u003c\/strong\u003e cold pressed juices, \u003cstrong\u003e30%\u003c\/strong\u003e food items, \u003cstrong\u003e15%\u003c\/strong\u003e snacks and desserts, and \u003cstrong\u003e5%\u003c\/strong\u003e catering. A simple coffee counter can cost less, but this mix needs juice production, cold storage, prep, and front-of-house display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"lst_crct_blog\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCount each major unit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse vendor quotes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMatch gear to menu mix.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_2\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-intro-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch4\u003eKeep It Lean\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuy only what supports day-one volume and split must-have production gear from nice-to-have display upgrades. Don’t underbuy refrigeration or prep space, because that drives spoilage and slow service. The real mistake is budgeting for a coffee-only setup when the menu is built for full-service output.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"double_border\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-pin-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ffffff;\"\u003eBudget Fit\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis \u003cstrong\u003e$63,000\u003c\/strong\u003e sits inside the startup buildout before smallwares, inventory, and any arcade spend. It gives the cafe the core equipment base needed for juice service, food prep, and display, so the rest of the launch budget can be set around it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #126CFF;\"\u003eLeasehold Improvements for Arcade Cafe Startup Expense\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl blue_card\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-colons-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch4\u003eBuildout Allowance\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse \u003cstrong\u003e$75,000\u003c\/strong\u003e for leasehold improvements in \u003cstrong\u003eMonths 1–3\u003c\/strong\u003e. That covers flooring, lighting, electrical capacity for arcade machines, HVAC, plumbing, ADA access, restrooms, wall finishes, sound control, counter layout, and game-floor spacing. A second-generation cafe is usually easier to finish than a former entertainment space, so tenant work can move fast or get messy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"container_2_clmn_row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_2\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-tips-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch4\u003eEstimate Inputs\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuild the estimate from scope, not guesswork: square footage, existing electrical load, HVAC condition, plumbing routes, restroom count, and who pays for ADA fixes. If the landlord delivers shell-ready utility stubs, your \u003cstrong\u003e$75,000\u003c\/strong\u003e goes farther. If not, tenant work eats the budget quickly and can crowd out other launch costs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"lst_crct_blog\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCheck electrical service capacity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVerify HVAC and plumbing handoff.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConfirm ADA and restroom scope.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-intro-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch4\u003eCost Control\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe cheapest finish is not the best finish. Put money into electrical and HVAC only where machine load and guest comfort need it, because utilities run \u003cstrong\u003e$1,200\/month\u003c\/strong\u003e after opening. Lock the layout before decorative work, and avoid rebuilding walls or counters after the game floor is set.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"lst_crct_blog\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFreeze the floor plan early.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpend on code items first.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSkip late design changes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"double_border\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-pin-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ffffff;\"\u003eLandlord Checklist\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse a landlord checklist before signing: confirm who owns the base building system and who pays for tenant-specific upgrades. If the lease leaves electrical service, HVAC replacement, restroom work, or ADA access on you, the \u003cstrong\u003e$75,000\u003c\/strong\u003e allowance can get consumed fast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"lst_crct_blog\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eElectrical service and panel work\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHVAC capacity and ducting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlumbing, restrooms, ADA access\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #126CFF;\"\u003eArcade Cafe POS System and Furniture Startup Expense\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl blue_card\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-colons-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch4\u003ePOS and Decor Budget\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUpfront tech CAPEX\u003c\/strong\u003e starts with \u003cstrong\u003e$5,000\u003c\/strong\u003e for POS hardware, \u003cstrong\u003e$7,500\u003c\/strong\u003e for website and online ordering, \u003cstrong\u003e$3,500\u003c\/strong\u003e for security, and \u003cstrong\u003e$9,000\u003c\/strong\u003e for furniture and decor. That is \u003cstrong\u003e$25,000\u003c\/strong\u003e before menu boards, payment terminals, Wi-Fi, access control, audio\/visual gear, seating, counters, signage, and theme pieces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"container_2_clmn_row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-tips-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch4\u003eCore Setup\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuy the systems that run daily sales first: POS hardware, payment terminals, Wi-Fi, online ordering, cameras, and access control. \u003cstrong\u003ePOS software costs $180\/month\u003c\/strong\u003e after opening, so keep that in operating expense, not CAPEX. One clean rule: if it helps take orders, protect cash, or keep guests moving, it belongs in the base build.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"lst_crct_blog\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrice each item by quote\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeparate hardware from software\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTrack monthly fees separately\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_2\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-intro-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch4\u003eNostalgia Upgrades\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep retro extras out of the must-have list unless they drive sales or safety. Theme decor, special signage, and audio\/visual accents can wait if cash is tight. The trap is overbuying style before function. A simple, working floor plan beats a crowded, expensive room that slows service and adds rework.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"lst_crct_blog\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFund function before flair\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDelay nice-to-have decor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTest guest flow first\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"double_border\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-pin-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ffffff;\"\u003eVariable Fees\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModel payment processing as a \u003cstrong\u003evariable cost\u003c\/strong\u003e at \u003cstrong\u003e18%\u003c\/strong\u003e of Year 1 revenue, separate from the monthly \u003cstrong\u003e$180\u003c\/strong\u003e software fee. That split matters because processing scales with sales, while software stays fixed. If volume beats plan, the fee line grows fast, so watch card mix and average ticket from day one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #126CFF;\"\u003ePermits, Insurance, and Pre-Opening Costs Startup Expense\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl blue_card\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-colons-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch4\u003ePermit Stack\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBudget for \u003cstrong\u003ebusiness registration\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003efood-service permits\u003c\/strong\u003e, health inspections, and any \u003cstrong\u003eamusement-game\u003c\/strong\u003e rules or music licenses if used. Costs depend on the city, county, state, and health department, so price it from local quotes and filing fees, not a national rulebook. One clean line: this line is about compliance, not furniture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"container_2_clmn_row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-tips-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch4\u003eInsurance\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse the quoted \u003cstrong\u003e$350\/month\u003c\/strong\u003e recurring insurance as the base, then add any required policy limits from your landlord, lender, or local permit office. Estimate by months of coverage plus deductibles, certificates, and any extra riders tied to food service or games. This sits in operating cash, but it should be reserved before opening.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-intro-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch4\u003eLaunch Cash\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePre-opening cash should cover \u003cstrong\u003elegal\/accounting support\u003c\/strong\u003e, hiring, training, opening inventory, deposits, and launch marketing. After opening, marketing is modeled at \u003cstrong\u003e$1,500\/month\u003c\/strong\u003e. Spend early on setup that drives day-one sales, not on nice-to-have decor. If training runs long, cash burn rises before the first full month of revenue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"double_border\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-pin-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ffffff;\"\u003eYear 1 Staff\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear 1 staffing is \u003cstrong\u003e1 store manager\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003e1 kitchen lead\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003e2 front-of-house staff\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003e1 prep staff\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003e0.5 marketing coordinator\u003c\/strong\u003e, or \u003cstrong\u003e$247,000\/year\u003c\/strong\u003e before payroll taxes and benefits if applicable. That cost is the biggest fixed line in the pre-opening plan, so hire only after the permit path, buildout timing, and opening date are tight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #126CFF;\"\u003eCompare 3 Startup Cost Scenarios\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"fml-scenario-table\" aria-label=\"Retro Arcade Cafe Startup Cost Scenarios\" data-site-name=\"Financial Models Lab\" data-site-url=\"https:\/\/financialmodelslab.com\" data-source-title=\"Retro Arcade Cafe Startup Cost Scenarios\" data-note-label=\"Planning note\" data-note-text=\"These scenario ranges are researched planning assumptions, not exact supplier quotes or lease bids.\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"fml-scenario-table-card\"\u003e\n\u003cheader class=\"fml-scenario-table-header\"\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"fml-scenario-table-eyebrow\"\u003eLaunch cost scenarios\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"fml-scenario-table-description\"\u003eLean uses a smaller game floor and lighter buildout. Base matches the modeled neighborhood setup, while\nFull adds more space, cabinets, and staff, so startup cash moves up fast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-scenario-table-actions\"\u003e\u003cbutton class=\"fml-scenario-table-export\" type=\"button\" data-scenario-export\u003eEXPORT XLSX\u003c\/button\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/header\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"fml-scenario-table-wrap\"\u003e\u003ctable class=\"fml-scenario-table-grid\"\u003e\n\u003ccaption\u003eLean, Base, and Full launch cost comparison\u003c\/caption\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"fml-scenario-table-stub\" scope=\"col\" data-export-value=\"Scenario\"\u003eScenario\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"fml-scenario-table-column\" scope=\"col\" data-export-value=\"Lean Launch\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-column-title\"\u003eLean Launch\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-badge is-soft\"\u003elowest risk\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"fml-scenario-table-column\" scope=\"col\" data-export-value=\"Base Launch\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-column-title\"\u003eBase Launch\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-badge is-soft\"\u003emodeled case\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"fml-scenario-table-column\" scope=\"col\" data-export-value=\"Full Launch\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-column-title\"\u003eFull Launch\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-badge is-warning\"\u003ehighest experience\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr data-scenario-row\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"fml-scenario-row-heading\" scope=\"row\" data-export-value=\"Launch model\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-heading-inner\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-icon is-launch\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"fml-scenario-row-icon-img\" src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/scenario-launch-model.svg\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-title\"\u003eLaunch model\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd data-export-value=\"Small coffee-and-games setup with a tight menu and fewer cabinets.\"\u003eSmall coffee-and-games setup with a tight menu and fewer cabinets.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-export-value=\"Modeled neighborhood arcade cafe with a balanced game floor and coffee-led food menu.\"\u003eModeled neighborhood arcade cafe with a balanced game floor and coffee-led food menu.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-export-value=\"Larger destination arcade cafe with more games, broader food service, and heavier guest flow support.\"\u003eLarger destination arcade cafe with more games, broader food service, and heavier guest flow support.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-scenario-row\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"fml-scenario-row-heading\" scope=\"row\" data-export-value=\"Typical setup\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-heading-inner\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-icon is-setup\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"fml-scenario-row-icon-img\" src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/scenario-typical-setup.svg\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-title\"\u003eTypical setup\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd data-export-value=\"Use a compact footprint, lighter buildout, basic signage, limited security, and a smaller working-capital cushion.\"\u003eUse a compact footprint, lighter buildout, basic signage, limited security, and a smaller working-capital cushion.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-export-value=\"Anchor around $163,000 CAPEX, $805,000 Month 2 cash need, 655 Year 1 weekly covers, $18 midweek AOV, $22 weekend AOV, and Month 4 breakeven.\"\u003eAnchor around $163,000 CAPEX, $805,000 Month 2 cash need, 655 Year 1 weekly covers, $18 midweek AOV, $22 weekend AOV, and Month 4 breakeven.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-export-value=\"Use a larger game floor, more electrical work, stronger decor, broader security, bigger signage, and a larger staffing base plus working capital.\"\u003eUse a larger game floor, more electrical work, stronger decor, broader security, bigger signage, and a larger staffing base plus working capital.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-scenario-row\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"fml-scenario-row-heading\" scope=\"row\" data-export-value=\"Cost drivers\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-heading-inner\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-icon is-drivers\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"fml-scenario-row-icon-img\" src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/scenario-cost-drivers.svg\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-title\"\u003eCost drivers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd data-export-value=\"Smaller square footage; fewer cabinets; lighter buildout; limited food service; tighter staffing\"\u003e\u003cul class=\"fml-scenario-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmaller square footage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003efewer cabinets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003elighter buildout\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003elimited food service\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003etighter staffing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-export-value=\"Mid-size square footage; balanced cabinet count; standard food service; normal buildout; full staffing readiness\"\u003e\u003cul class=\"fml-scenario-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMid-size square footage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ebalanced cabinet count\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003estandard food service\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003enormal buildout\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003efull staffing readiness\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-export-value=\"Larger game floor; more cabinets; heavier electrical work; stronger decor; more staffing\"\u003e\u003cul class=\"fml-scenario-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarger game floor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003emore cabinets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eheavier electrical work\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003estronger decor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003emore staffing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-scenario-row\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"fml-scenario-row-heading\" scope=\"row\" data-export-value=\"Planning range\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-heading-inner\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-icon is-range\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"fml-scenario-row-icon-img\" src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/scenario-planning-range.svg\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-title\"\u003ePlanning range\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-subtitle\"\u003eCAPEX only\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd data-export-value=\"Lower-capex band\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong class=\"fml-scenario-range\"\u003eLower-capex band\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-badge is-soft\"\u003eLower spend\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-export-value=\"$163,000 CAPEX\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong class=\"fml-scenario-range\"\u003e$163,000 CAPEX\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-badge is-soft\"\u003eBase case\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-export-value=\"Higher-capex band\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong class=\"fml-scenario-range\"\u003eHigher-capex band\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-badge is-warning\"\u003ePremium build\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-scenario-row\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"fml-scenario-row-heading\" scope=\"row\" data-export-value=\"Best fit\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-heading-inner\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-icon is-fit\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"fml-scenario-row-icon-img\" src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/scenario-best-fit.svg\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-title\"\u003eBest fit\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd data-export-value=\"Best for founders testing demand with less upfront cash and a simpler opening plan.\"\u003eBest for founders testing demand with less upfront cash and a simpler opening plan.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-export-value=\"Best for operators who want the modeled plan and can fund the early cash dip.\"\u003eBest for operators who want the modeled plan and can fund the early cash dip.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-export-value=\"Best for teams aiming for a destination feel and willing to fund a more complex opening.\"\u003eBest for teams aiming for a destination feel and willing to fund a more complex opening.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-scenario-table-note\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-table-note-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanning note:\u003c\/strong\u003e These scenario ranges are researched planning assumptions, not exact supplier quotes or lease bids.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e","brand":"FinancialModelsLab","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49304411406579,"sku":"retro-arcade-gaming-cafe-startup-costs","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/6191\/2762\/files\/retro-arcade-gaming-cafe-startup-costs.webp?v=1782691130","url":"https:\/\/financialmodelslab.com\/products\/retro-arcade-gaming-cafe-startup-costs","provider":"Financial Models Lab","version":"1.0","type":"link"}