Local takeaway and fast food shop

Local residents, workers on lunch breaks, students and late-evening customers.

Sales of meals, drinks and sides at a low price per order, with profit coming from volume, tight portion control and keeping ingredient and staff costs in check.

• Cooking quickly and consistently
• Managing stock and food costs
• Customer service under pressure
• Hiring and managing staff

• Planning permission or change of use for hot food takeaways, check with your local council before signing a lease
• Food business registration with the council, usually needed in advance of opening, check the timescale
• Allergen information and labelling rules, plus a food safety management system
• Late night refreshment licence if you plan to serve hot food late in the evening, check local rules
• Fire safety, extraction and ventilation requirements for the kitchen
• Public liability insurance, and employer's liability insurance once you hire
• Delivery app commission can eat into margins
• Long hours and rising rent, energy and ingredient costs

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £25,000 to £90,000, depending on premises, kitchen equipment and fit-out. Rising rent, energy and ingredient costs are worth allowing for in your plans.

Check with your council about planning permission or change of use for hot food takeaways before signing a lease, and food business registration, usually needed before opening. Also check allergen rules, any late night refreshment licence, and fire safety and extraction.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around £10,000 to £40,000, depending on location, menu and opening hours. Delivery app commission can eat into margins, and the idea assumes at least around 40 hours a week.