Small takeaway shop (burgers, chicken or kebabs)

Locals, workers on lunch breaks, students, families and late-night customers near your shop.

Sales of meals, sides and drinks. Profit depends on a tight menu, controlling food and labour costs, and a busy location.

• Cooking quickly and consistently
• Managing food costs and stock
• Customer service under pressure
• Basic staff rostering

• Food business registration with your local council and food safety inspections
• A food safety supervisor and food handler training, which many states require, so check yours
• Lease terms, fit-out costs and any approvals needed for cooking exhaust and signage
• Public liability and property insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire
• Award wages, penalty rates and superannuation for staff, so check Fair Work rules
• Delivery app commissions can eat into thin margins
• Long hours and high early costs, with a risk of losing money if the location is weak

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $60,000 to $250,000, depending on the premises, fit-out and equipment. Lease terms and fit-out costs can push you towards the higher end, so check them carefully before committing.

Check food business registration with your local council and food safety inspections. Many states require a food safety supervisor and food handler training, so check yours. Also check lease terms, approvals for cooking exhaust and signage, insurance, and Fair Work award wages for staff.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue of typically around $20,000 to $90,000, depending on location, menu and trading hours. That is revenue, not profit, so wages, food costs and delivery app commissions come out of it. Expect around 50 hours a week or more.