Neighbourhood takeaway shop

Locals, workers on lunch breaks, families after dinner, students and late-night customers.

Sales of meals and drinks at the counter and through delivery apps. Profit depends on food costs, rent, wages and how busy your opening hours are.

• Cooking quickly and consistently
• Cost control and menu pricing
• Customer service under pressure
• Managing staff rosters

• Food business registration with your local council and food safety supervisor requirements, which vary by state
• Council approval and fit-out rules for the premises, including ventilation and grease traps
• Delivery app commission fees can cut into margins, so check the terms
• Public liability and property insurance, and workers compensation once you hire
• Award wages, penalty rates for nights and weekends, and long hours on your feet
• Lease terms and the cost of fit-out before you have any sales

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $40,000 to $200,000, depending on the premises, fit-out and equipment. Lease terms and fit-out costs arrive before you have any sales, so budget carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on location, menu and trading hours. Delivery app commission fees, award wages and penalty rates can cut into what you keep.

Things to check: food business registration with your local council and food safety supervisor requirements, which vary by state. Also check council approval and fit-out rules, such as ventilation and grease traps, plus insurance and award wages if you hire.