Neighborhood self-service lunch counter

Nearby office workers, college students, tradespeople and local residents looking for a quick, affordable meal.

Per-plate or by-the-pound meal sales, plus drinks and sides. Takeout and catering trays for nearby offices can add to the daily trade.

• Cooking at volume
• Food costing and pricing
• Managing staff and rotas
• Customer service

• Health department plan review, permit and regular inspections, check your county's process
• Local business license, zoning and any building or fire code requirements for a food space
• Sales tax registration with your state, as prepared food is often taxable
• General liability insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire
• Lease terms, rent against likely sales, and thin margins on food and labor
• Food waste from unsold hot items

Startup costs are typically around $30,000 to $150,000, depending on the space, kitchen equipment, build-out, permits and insurance. These are estimates, so compare rent against likely sales before signing a lease.

Monthly revenue is typically around $12,000 to $60,000, depending on location, opening hours, pricing and customer traffic. These are estimates, and food and labor margins are thin, so unsold hot items add to waste.

Check your county's health department plan review, permit and inspections, plus your local business license, zoning and building or fire codes. Also check state sales tax registration, since prepared food is often taxable, and your insurance needs.