Small traditional teahouse

Locals, students, older people, remote workers and friends meeting for a slow catch-up, plus tourists in busy areas.

Pots of tea and snacks sold at the table, plus loose-leaf tea and teaware sold to take home. Set menus or tea tastings can raise the spend per visit.

• Knowledge of teas and how to brew them
• Welcoming customer service
• Basic food handling and cost control

• Food business registration with your local council, and any food safety supervisor or training your state requires
• Council approval for the premises use, fit-out and signage, which varies by council
• Commercial lease terms, rent and fit-out costs before you commit
• Public liability insurance, and workers compensation once you hire staff
• Quiet trade on weekdays or in poor weather, so check your cash buffer

Startup costs are typically around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on the premises, lease terms and fit-out. Check rent and fit-out costs before committing, and keep a cash buffer for quiet weekdays or poor weather.

Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on location, opening hours and menu. These are estimates only, and trade can be quiet on weekdays or in poor weather, so check your cash buffer.

Check food business registration with your local council and any food safety supervisor or training your state requires. Also check council approval for the premises use, fit-out and signage, commercial lease terms, public liability insurance, and workers compensation once you hire staff.