Takeout and delivery pho kitchen

Households and office workers ordering lunch or dinner for pickup or delivery, especially in colder months.

Per-order sales of bowls, sandwiches and sides. Delivery apps take a commission, so many owners push direct orders and meal bundles to protect margins.

• Cooking and recipe consistency
• Packaging food so broth and noodles travel well
• Online marketing and photos
• Managing orders and food costs

• Food premises permit from your local public health unit, and whether the kitchen operator's permit covers you
• Food handler certification requirements, which vary by province
• Delivery app commissions that can squeeze margins
• Commercial general liability insurance, and food safety for transporting hot broth
• Business registration and GST/HST registration once you pass the small supplier threshold
• Quebec has its own food permit rules and French-language requirements

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $12,000 to $50,000, depending on kitchen rental, equipment, packaging and marketing. Monthly revenue is estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on order volume and the platforms you use.

Check for a food premises permit from your local public health unit and whether the kitchen operator's permit covers you. Check food handler certification, food safety when transporting hot broth, and business and GST/HST registration. Quebec has its own food permit rules.

Delivery app commissions can squeeze margins, so check the fees before you price your menu. Estimates suggest at least 30 hours a week to run the business, depending on order volume. Consider your own website and pickup too.