Vegetarian cafe and deli

Local residents, office workers, students and vegetarian or flexitarian diners who want a regular spot and easy takeaway food.

Sales of coffee, meals and baked goods eaten in, plus higher-margin takeaway deli items, catering platters and pantry products.

• Cooking and menu planning
• Costing food and controlling waste
• Managing staff and rosters
• Customer service

• Food business registration with your local council and food safety supervisor requirements, check your state's rules
• Fit-out must meet council food premises standards, check before signing a lease
• Lease terms, rent and fit-out costs, get advice before committing
• Public liability and property insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire
• Allergen labelling and handling, especially nuts, gluten and soy in a meat-free menu
• Long hours and thin margins, plan your cash flow carefully
• Staff award wages and penalty rates, check Fair Work rules

Startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $200,000, depending on your premises, fit-out, equipment and opening stock. These are estimates, so get advice on lease terms, rent and fit-out costs before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your location, menu and opening hours. This is an estimate of revenue before costs. Margins can be thin, so plan your cash flow carefully.

Check food business registration with your local council, food safety supervisor requirements and food premises fit-out standards. Also check allergen labelling and handling, public liability and property insurance, workers compensation, and Fair Work award wages and penalty rates.