Small neighbourhood restaurant

Locals, couples, families, office workers at lunch, and people looking for a particular cuisine in their area.

Meals and drinks sold to dine-in customers, plus takeaway and delivery app orders. Profit depends on food cost, wages and rent, so a tight menu and steady regulars matter.

• Cooking to a consistent standard
• Managing costs and stock
• Rostering and leading staff
• Friendly customer service

• Food business registration with your local council and food safety rules, including whether you need a Food Safety Supervisor in your state
• Liquor licence rules if you want to serve alcohol, which differ by state and can take months
• Council approval for the site use and fit-out, plus building and fire requirements
• Staff wages under the relevant award, workers compensation insurance and super once you hire
• Public liability and property insurance, and lease terms such as length, rent reviews and personal guarantees
• High fixed costs and long hours, so check you can cover rent and wages through the slow early months

As an estimate, startup costs are typically around $60,000 to $300,000, depending on the site, fit-out, kitchen equipment and lease terms. Monthly revenue is typically around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on seats, menu pricing and how busy you are.

Check food business registration with your local council, food safety rules and whether you need a Food Safety Supervisor. Also check liquor licence rules in your state, council site approvals, building and fire requirements, staff award wages, insurance and lease terms.

Estimates suggest at least around 50 hours a week. Useful skills include consistent cooking, managing costs and stock, rostering and leading staff, and friendly service. Check you can cover rent and wages through the slow early months.