Snack bar in a small shop unit

Local workers, shoppers, students, tradespeople and passing foot traffic.

Sales of food and drinks at a low price per customer. Profit depends on busy lunchtimes, keeping food waste low and controlling rent and staff costs.

• Basic food preparation
• Customer service
• Cost control and stock ordering
• Working quickly at busy times

• Register as a food business with your local council at least 28 days before you open (check with your council)
• Food hygiene rules, allergen information and a HACCP-style food safety plan
• Check that the premises have the right planning use for hot food, and ask about extraction and ventilation
• Public liability insurance, plus employer's liability once you hire
• Lease terms, business rates and deposit costs before you sign
• Long hours, and rent that has to be paid in quiet weeks too

Startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the unit, the fit-out and the equipment you need. These are estimates, so check lease terms, deposits and business rates before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around £6,000 to £25,000, depending on location, opening hours, menu and footfall. These are estimates of takings, not profit, and rent still has to be paid in quiet weeks.

Check that you register as a food business with your local council at least 28 days before opening. Also check food hygiene and allergen rules, whether the premises have the right planning use for hot food, and extraction needs.