Start a vegetarian cafe and deli

Local residents, office workers, vegetarians and vegans, and shoppers who want a quick lunch or something to take home.

Sales of meals, drinks and cakes eaten in, plus takeaway and deli items. Regular lunch trade and a few popular lines help keep takings steady.

• Cooking meat-free food well
• Costing dishes and controlling waste
• Customer service
• Managing staff rotas and suppliers

• Register your food business with the local council, usually at least 28 days before opening (check with your council)
• Food hygiene training, allergen information and a food safety management plan
• Planning use class and lease terms for the premises, check with the council and landlord
• Public liability insurance, plus employer's liability once you hire
• Business rates, rent and staffing costs, and thin margins if the location is quiet
• Vegetarian versus vegan labelling needs to be accurate, including hidden animal products such as some cheeses

Startup costs are estimated at typically around £15,000 to £70,000, depending on the premises, fit-out and equipment. Rent, business rates and staffing are further costs to plan for, so cost the numbers carefully for your location before signing a lease.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around £6,000 to £25,000, depending on location, opening hours and menu. That is revenue, not profit, and margins can be thin if the location is quiet, so test your costs against likely takings.

Check that you register your food business with your local council, usually at least 28 days before opening. Also check food hygiene training, allergen information, a food safety plan, planning use class, lease terms, insurance and accurate vegetarian versus vegan labelling.