Panipuri takeaway counter

Local residents, students, office workers and shoppers, with extra demand around festivals and weekends.

Sales by the plate and in boxes, with add-ons such as drinks and other chaat. Rent, rates and utilities are fixed costs, so footfall and location matter.

• Cooking and consistent quality
• Basic budgeting and stock control
• Managing customers and, later, staff

• Planning permission or change of use for hot food takeaway, and any restrictions near schools (check with the council)
• Food business registration and inspection by the council, plus a food safety management system
• Allergen information on the menu or at the counter
• Fire safety, ventilation and gas safety requirements for the unit
• Public liability insurance, and employer's liability insurance once you hire
• Lease terms, business rates and the risk of a quiet location
• Long hours and fixed costs that continue even in slow weeks

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £10,000 to £40,000, depending on the unit, fit-out, equipment, lease terms and initial stock. Fixed costs such as rent continue in slow weeks, so allow for them in your budget.

Monthly revenue is typically around £4,000 to £16,000, depending on location, opening hours, menu and prices. These are estimates only, and a quiet location or slow weeks can affect income while fixed costs carry on.

Check planning permission or change of use for hot food takeaway, including any restrictions near schools. Also check food business registration and inspection, allergen information, fire, ventilation and gas safety, insurance, lease terms and business rates with the relevant authorities.