Churro stall for markets and events

Families, shoppers and festival-goers buying a hot snack, plus event organisers who book you for a pitch fee or a private party.

Sell portions of churros and dips at a set price per cup or box, with extra from drinks and toppings. Ingredients are cheap, so most costs are pitch fees, fuel and your time.

• Cooking and frying safely
• Customer service
• Food hygiene basics
• Planning stock for busy and quiet days

• Register with your local council as a food business, usually at least 28 days before you start trading (check your council)
• Public liability insurance, which markets and events often require
• Hot oil is a fire and burn risk, so check fire safety rules and get a suitable extinguisher or fire blanket
• Gas equipment may need safety certificates, and some events ask for them
• Allergen information for wheat, gluten, milk and any toppings, which you must be able to give customers
• Street trading may need a council licence or consent if you are not on a private or organised market pitch
• Weather and quiet days can hit takings, so don't rely on one pitch

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £2,000 to £8,000, depending on your stall or gazebo, fryer and gas equipment, ingredients, safety gear and insurance.

Check registering as a food business with your council, usually at least 28 days before trading, plus any street trading consent. Also check fire safety for hot oil, gas safety certificates, allergen information, and public liability insurance that events often require.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on pitches, events, weather and pricing. Quiet days can hit takings, so avoid relying on one pitch. Time needed is typically from around 12 hours a week.