Hong kong-style cafe (cha chaan teng)

Local families, students, office workers and people from the Hong Kong and Chinese communities who want familiar comfort food.

Sales of set meals, snacks and drinks, with lunch sets and drink add-ons lifting the average spend per customer. Busy lunch and after-school periods matter most.

• Cooking or managing a kitchen
• Fast, consistent service
• Costing menus and controlling waste

• Council food business registration and fit-out approval for the premises, check with your local council
• Food safety supervisor requirements, which differ by state and territory
• Public liability insurance, and workers compensation insurance once you hire staff
• Lease terms, rent and fit-out costs, which can be high before you make any sales
• Thin margins and long hours, so cost your menu carefully
• Alcohol, signage or outdoor seating may need separate approvals

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $60,000 to $250,000, depending on the premises, lease terms and fit-out. Fit-out and rent can be high before you make any sales, so get quotes before signing a lease.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on location, menu pricing and opening hours. Expect at least 45 hours a week. Margins can be thin, so cost your menu carefully.

Check council food business registration and fit-out approval for the premises, plus food safety supervisor requirements, which differ by state and territory. Alcohol, signage or outdoor seating may need separate approvals. Also check insurance, including workers compensation once you hire.