Local pie shop with a shopfront

Walk-in customers such as tradies, office workers and families, plus sports clubs, workplaces and event organisers ordering trays.

Over-the-counter sales per pie and combo, plus catering orders for events and clubs. Early morning and lunch trade usually matter most.

• Commercial baking
• Managing stock and food costs
• Running a small team
• Customer service

• Food premises registration and fit-out standards through your local council
• Food safety supervisor requirements in your state
• Lease terms and rent, as fixed costs are high before you have regular customers
• Workers compensation insurance and award wages once you hire staff
• Early starts and long hours, especially in the first year
• Public liability and product liability insurance

Startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on premises, kitchen fit-out and equipment. Fixed costs like rent are high before regular customers arrive, so check lease terms carefully. This is an estimate only.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $12,000 to $50,000, depending on location, opening hours and whether you add catering orders. This is revenue before rent, wages and ingredients. Expect at least about 40 hours a week.

Check food premises registration and fit-out standards with your local council, and food safety supervisor requirements in your state. Also check workers compensation and award wages once you hire staff, plus public liability and product liability insurance.