Takeaway shop on your local high street

Local residents, students, workers on lunch breaks and late-evening customers looking for a quick, affordable meal.

Customers pay per meal, with extra from sides and drinks. Profit depends on food costs, rent, staff wages and delivery app commission, so a tight menu and steady opening hours matter.

• Cooking in volume and to a consistent standard
• Food hygiene and kitchen organisation
• Cost control and menu pricing
• Customer service under pressure

• Register as a food business with your local council at least 28 days before opening, and expect a hygiene inspection
• Planning permission for hot food takeaway use and any restrictions on opening hours, which vary by council
• Extraction and ventilation rules for the kitchen, plus fire safety checks
• Allergen information must be provided for every dish, so check the requirements
• Public liability insurance, and employer's liability insurance once you hire staff
• Late-night opening may need a licence for late night refreshment, check with your council
• Commercial lease terms, business rates and high set-up costs

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £15,000 to £70,000, depending on the unit, kitchen fit-out and equipment. Check commercial lease terms and business rates, as set-up costs can be high.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £8,000 to £30,000, depending on your location, menu and opening hours. Expect to work around 45 hours a week or more. Rent, staff and ingredients all come out of that revenue.

Check you register as a food business with your council at least 28 days before opening, and expect a hygiene inspection. Also check planning permission for hot food takeaway use, opening-hour limits, extraction rules, fire safety, allergen information and any late night refreshment licence.