Small vegetarian cafe-restaurant

Vegetarians, flexitarians, office workers on lunch breaks, students and locals looking for a meat-free meal out.

Sales of meals, drinks and desserts, with extra from takeaway and local delivery apps. Profit depends on rent, food costs and wages.

• Cooking for groups
• Menu planning and costing
• Managing stock and staff
• Customer service

• Food business registration with your local council, and a food safety supervisor requirement in some states
• Council approval for the premises and fit-out (check kitchen, ventilation and grease trap rules)
• A liquor licence is needed if you want to serve alcohol, check your state's licensing body
• Public liability insurance, plus workers compensation insurance once you hire staff
• Lease commitments and thin margins, so check your numbers before signing
• Allergen labelling and cross-contamination, especially for nuts, gluten and dairy

Estimates suggest startup costs typically sit around $40,000 to $180,000, depending on the premises, fit-out and kitchen equipment. Lease commitments and thin margins are common concerns, so check your numbers carefully before signing anything.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on location, opening hours, menu pricing and the mix of dine-in and takeaway. These are estimates only, so compare them against your own rent, wages and food costs.

Check food business registration with your local council, and whether a food safety supervisor is required in your state. Also check council approval for the fit-out (kitchen, ventilation, grease trap), a liquor licence if serving alcohol, insurance, and allergen labelling.