Open a hong kong-style cafe (cha chaan teng)

Hong Kong and wider Asian communities, students, office workers and food-curious locals looking for a quick, affordable meal.

Sales of meals and drinks, often through lunch sets and add-on drinks. Takeout and delivery apps can add orders, and a fast table turnover helps margins.

• Cooking Hong Kong-style dishes to a consistent standard
• Running a fast, busy kitchen
• Managing food costs and staff

• Health department permit and plan review, check your county's requirements before building out a kitchen
• Food handler or food manager certification, which many states and counties require
• General liability insurance, plus workers' compensation once you hire
• Long hours and thin margins, so check rent, labor and ingredient costs before signing a lease
• Local rules on signage, ventilation and grease traps, check with your city

Estimates suggest startup costs typically run around $50,000 to $200,000, depending on your premises, kitchen build-out and equipment. Check rent, labor and ingredient costs before signing a lease.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $20,000 to $70,000, depending on your location, opening hours, menu and staffing. Expect long hours and thin margins, so watch costs closely.

Check your county's health department permit and plan review before building out a kitchen, and food handler or manager certification requirements. Also check insurance, plus local rules on signage, ventilation and grease traps with your city.