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Created March 5, 2026 23:16
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Project Masha — Russian Banya & Event Space Concept

Project Masha — Russian Banya & Event Space Concept

Concept Overview

A Russian Banya / detox center with a wellness bar that transforms into an event space at night. Rooted in authentic Russian/Eastern European culture, with a modern wellness and lifestyle angle.


Core Concept

🔥 Banya Experience (Primary Revenue)

  • 4–5 private rooms, each accommodating up to 6 people
  • Each room includes:
    • Dedicated banya / steam room
    • Small cold plunge bucket or mini pool
    • Seating area with small table
    • Outside table service (snacks, beer, wellness drinks)
  • Fully private, bookable by group — no shared public space
  • Target: premium, intimate experience

🥤 Wellness Bar (Secondary Revenue)

  • Health-forward drinks: smoothies, matcha, adaptogens, herbal teas
  • Light food / snacks available during banya sessions
  • Daytime anchor that drives walk-in traffic

🎶 Event Space — Nights (Third Revenue Stream)

  • Wellness bar area converts to event/lounge space after hours
  • Afro house music events as anchor programming
  • Brand partnership opportunities (activewear, wellness brands, spirits, beauty)
  • Existing brand relationships to leverage

Financial Snapshot

Startup Investment

Item Estimated Cost
Banya room build-out (4 rooms × ~$100K) $360–480K
F&B bar / service setup $50–70K
Permits & liquor license $15–25K
Decor, furniture, branding $30–50K
Deposits + working capital (3 months) $60–80K
TOTAL $515K – $705K

Adding a 5th room: +$100–120K

Monthly Revenue Projections (4 rooms)

  • Session pricing: ~$200/hr room rental + ~$100 F&B = $400/session
  • Session length: ~1.5 hrs | Operating hours: 12 hrs/day
Occupancy Monthly Revenue
30% (Year 1) ~$100K
50% (Steady state) ~$166K
70% (Popular) ~$233K

Evening events add incremental revenue (ticket sales, bar, brand fees).

Monthly Operating Costs

Item Monthly Cost
Rent (2,500–4,000 sq ft, Vancouver) $10–18K
Staff (attendants, cleaning, manager) $18–28K
Utilities (steam = high water/gas) $6–12K
Supplies, towels, amenities $3–5K
F&B COGS (~35% of F&B revenue) variable
Insurance + misc $3–5K
Fixed base ~$40–68K/mo

Break-Even

  • Just ~1 session per room per day = break-even (~15–20% occupancy)
  • Steady state 50% occupancy → ~$90K/month net 🔥

Why This Works

  1. Authentic differentiation — No one in Vancouver does Russian banya right. Done properly, there's a loyal community waiting for this.
  2. Triple revenue model — Day: banya + wellness bar. Night: event space. Maximizes use of space.
  3. Founder's edge — Furniture/interior industry experience + wellness passion + existing brand relationships + strong social media presence.
  4. Brand partnership upside — Wellness brands, spirits, activewear all want authentic spaces like this for activations.
  5. Recurring clientele — Banya regulars come weekly/monthly. High retention once hooked.
  6. Low break-even — Only 15–20% room occupancy needed to cover costs.

Key Questions to Resolve

  • Space size and layout requirements (sq ft needed for 4–5 private rooms?)
  • Preferred Vancouver neighborhoods (Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant, Commercial Drive, South Granville?)
  • Liquor licensing strategy (event nights require special licensing)
  • Brand partnerships — which brands are being considered?
  • Target demographic & marketing strategy
  • Staffing model (attendants, bartenders, event staff)
  • Soft launch / MVP strategy

Next Steps

  • Market research: existing banya/spa competitors in Vancouver
  • Location scouting: suitable commercial spaces
  • Detailed financial model with lease scenarios
  • Brand partnership outreach list
  • Concept one-pager / pitch deck for investors

Created: March 5, 2026 | Working document — Project Masha

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