Self-Service lunch counter near workplaces

Office and trade workers, students, shoppers and local residents looking for a quick, good-value meal.

Sales per meal and drink, with the busiest trade at breakfast and lunch. Profit depends on controlling food costs and waste, and keeping rent and staff costs in check.

• Cooking in batches
• Costing menus and cutting waste
• Managing staff and rotas
• Customer service

• Register as a food business with your local council, usually well before opening (check the notice period)
• Food hygiene training and a written food safety system, plus allergen information for every dish
• Planning permission or change of use if the unit was not previously a food outlet, and extraction and ventilation needs
• Public liability insurance, employer's liability insurance once you hire, and a fire risk assessment
• Fit-out costs and long leases are a big commitment, so check the numbers before signing
• If you want to sell alcohol you will need a premises licence, so check with your council

Startup costs are typically around £12,000 to £60,000, depending on the unit, the fit-out and the equipment you need. Fit-out and long leases are a big commitment, so check the numbers carefully before signing anything.

Monthly revenue is typically around £8,000 to £30,000, depending on your location, menu and how many customers you attract. This is revenue, not profit, so allow for food, staff and rent. Hours start from around 40 a week.

Check that you register as a food business with your local council, usually well before opening. Also check food hygiene training, allergen information, planning or change of use for the unit, insurance, fire risk assessment, and whether selling alcohol needs a premises licence.