Made-to-order salad shop

Office workers, students, gym-goers and shoppers looking for a quick, healthier lunch, plus some delivery app customers.

Sales per salad or bowl, with extra from drinks, sides and add-on toppings. Lunchtime volume and keeping food waste low matter most.

• Food preparation and hygiene
• Cost control and stock ordering
• Customer service at speed
• Menu planning

• Food businesses must usually register with the local council at least 28 days before opening, check with your council
• Food safety plan (HACCP-based) and allergen information are legal requirements, check current guidance from the Food Standards Agency
• Check the planning use class for the premises and any lease restrictions on food use or extraction
• Rent, business rates and staff costs can be heavy, test your numbers before committing
• Fresh ingredients spoil quickly, so wasted stock can eat into profit

Startup costs are estimated at typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the premises, fit-out and equipment. Rent, business rates and staff costs can be heavy, so test your numbers before committing to a lease.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around £6,000 to £25,000, depending on location, opening hours and menu pricing. That is takings before rent, wages and ingredients, and wasted fresh stock can eat into profit.

Check with your council about registering as a food business, usually at least 28 days before opening. Also check food safety plan and allergen requirements with the Food Standards Agency, plus the planning use class and lease restrictions on food use or extraction.