Start a cosplay cafe with a small storefront

Anime, gaming and comic fans, college students, families and groups celebrating birthdays or meetups.

Sales of drinks, snacks and desserts, plus extras like themed merchandise, party bookings, ticketed events and photo add-ons.

• Food and drink service
• Creative theming and costume design
• Managing staff and budgets
• Social media and community building

• Health department food permit and a plan review of your layout, check requirements with your county
• Local business license, sales tax registration and zoning approval for your location
• Copyright and trademark risk: costumes, menu names and decor based on famous characters may need permission, original or generic themes are safer
• General liability insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire, check your state's rules
• Staff costume policies and employment law, including what you can require staff to wear and any age rules for workers
• Lease terms and build-out costs, which can be high for a first-time owner

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $50,000 to $200,000, depending on your location, build-out, equipment and lease terms. Lease and build-out costs can be high for a first-time owner, so get quotes before committing to a space.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $12,000 to $50,000, depending on location, menu, opening hours and how many events you host. That is revenue, not profit, so rent, staff and supplies come out of it.

Check for a health department food permit and layout plan review with your county, plus a local business license, sales tax registration and zoning approval. Also check copyright and trademark risk for character-based themes, insurance, and staff costume policies.