Bagel stall for markets and events

Market shoppers, festival and event visitors, and people on a lunch break at regular food markets.

Per-item sales of bagels and drinks on trading days. Takings depend on pitch fees, footfall and weather, so a few regular pitches help.

• Food preparation and hygiene
• Working quickly at busy times
• Planning stock for each event

• Food business registration with the council where you store and prepare food
• Street trading licence or consent in some areas, check with each council
• Public liability insurance, which many markets and events require
• Gas and electrical safety for cooking and heating equipment
• Weather and uneven income, so keep a cash buffer

Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £8,000, depending on your stall or gazebo, cooking and chilling equipment, stock and insurance. Treat this as an estimate and keep your first menu simple to control costs.

Monthly revenue is typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on how many markets and events you trade at, your pitch fees and the weather. Income can be uneven, so keep a cash buffer. It can start at around 12 hours a week.

Check food business registration with the council where you store and prepare food, and whether each area needs a street trading licence or consent. Also check insurance requirements from markets, and gas and electrical safety for your equipment.