In Kyiv, entrepreneurs increasingly put ready-made coffee shops, restaurants, stores, and beauty salons up for sale. Some establishments are offered for purchase significantly cheaper than the cost of their opening. The main reasons were a reduction in the number of clients, rising expenses, staff shortages, and difficult working conditions during the war.

This is stated in the LIGA.net article dedicated to the situation on the capital's ready-made business market.

In particular, a coffee shop with an area of 50 square meters in the capital was put up for sale for 22 thousand dollars, although the initial investments in the establishment were approximately twice as much.

An even more indicative situation arose with a flower shop, which was initially sold for 45 thousand dollars. Ultimately, the owner managed to find a buyer only for 10 thousand dollars.

Such examples indicate the willingness of some entrepreneurs to sell businesses with significant losses relative to initial investments. At the same time, they do not mean that all ready-made businesses in Kyiv have become cheaper in similar proportions.

Hundreds of establishments are looking for buyers

The trend of an increasing number of offers is confirmed by representatives of the restaurant market.

Restaurant expert and co-founder of the National Restaurant Association of Ukraine Olga Nasonova reported as early as September to Ukrainian Radio that more than 500 food service establishments of various formats are up for sale in Kyiv.

According to her assessment, some owners have already ceased operations, while others are trying to sell their establishments to recoup at least part of the invested funds.

The expert gave examples of restaurants and bakeries, into whose creation between 100 and 200 thousand dollars were previously invested, and now they are offered for sale for 15-40 thousand dollars.

At the same time, Nasonova's assessment is not official statistics of concluded deals. Placing an establishment for sale does not necessarily mean its closure: some businesses may continue operating with new owners.

The number of visitors in Kyiv is decreasing

The financial difficulties of the capital's entrepreneurs are confirmed by fresh data from Poster, a company specializing in restaurant automation.

According to a study released on October 27, for the period from September 1 to October 18, 2026, attendance at food service establishments in Kyiv decreased by 20% compared to the same period last year.

The revenue of the capital's establishments decreased by 5%, although the average check increased by 15%.

Thus, the increase in visitor spending per order did not compensate for the overall reduction in customer flow.

The situation in Kyiv turned out to be more difficult than in most other studied cities. For example, in Kharkiv, establishment revenue for the analogous period increased by 20%, and in Zaporizhzhia - by 17%.

Moreover, the reduction of curfew hours in the capital did not produce a significant positive effect. According to Poster's calculations, after the change in restrictions, Kyiv establishments' revenue increased on average by only 1.28%, and attendance - by 0.88%.

For coffee shop and restaurant owners, the decrease in the number of customers becomes especially noticeable against the backdrop of constant expenses for rent, salaries, products, and backup power.

The staffing crisis complicates the work of small businesses

Another problem remains the shortage of personnel. According to Olga Nasonova's assessment, staff shortages are felt to one degree or another by virtually the entire restaurant market of Ukraine.

The greatest difficulties arise with finding experienced cooks and other qualified workers. Because of this, entrepreneurs are forced to raise wages, hire people without experience, or change the organization of establishments' work.

Some restaurants simplify their menus, use ready-made ingredients and semi-finished products to reduce the need for personnel and cut operating costs.

In Nasonova's opinion, the greatest difficulties are felt by mid-priced establishments. Their customers more often reduce discretionary spending, while budget chains and premium restaurants have more stable audiences.

Selling ready-made businesses creates opportunities for new owners

Despite the difficult situation, the increase in the number of offers may be beneficial for entrepreneurs planning to enter the market.

Purchasing a ready-made establishment allows obtaining equipment, renovation, established business processes, and, in some cases, a customer base cheaper than creating a similar business from scratch.

At the same time, a low price does not guarantee profitability. Potential buyers need to take into account actual revenue, debts, lease terms, equipment condition, and costs of maintaining operations during power outages.

Changes are also taking place in the commercial real estate market. According to OLX Real Estate, in April 2026, demand for renting premises for cafes and restaurants in Kyiv was 47% lower than a year earlier. However, compared to January, it increased by 40%, indicating a certain revival after a difficult winter.

Analysts note that the restaurant market is gradually changing its structure: entrepreneurs more often choose compact formats, try to reduce fixed costs, and negotiate more flexible lease terms.

Therefore, the current situation does not mean a complete collapse of small business in the capital. At the same time, it indicates a redistribution of assets: some entrepreneurs are leaving the market, while others get the opportunity to purchase ready-made establishments at a lower price.

Based on materials from: LIGA.net, Poster, Ukrainian Radio, OLX Real Estate