Fish and chips takeout shop

Local families, lunchtime workers, students and people ordering dinner through pickup or delivery apps.

Meal sales at the counter and through online orders. Higher volume at lunch, dinner and on Fridays, with extra from sides, drinks and family meal deals.

• Cooking and frying consistently
• Managing food costs and stock
• Running a small team
• Customer service

• Health department permit and plan review, which usually come before you can open
• Ventilation hood and fire suppression requirements for fryers, plus lease limits on cooking
• Fish costs can change, so keep your menu pricing flexible
• General liability insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire
• Long hours and a lease commitment, so check the rent against realistic sales
• Grease trap and used oil disposal rules

Startup costs are typically around $50,000 to $200,000, depending on the location, equipment and build-out. Monthly revenue is typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on hours, menu and foot traffic. These are estimates, not guarantees.

Check for a health department permit and plan review, which usually come before opening. Also look into ventilation hood and fire suppression requirements for fryers, lease limits on cooking, grease trap and used oil disposal rules, and insurance.

Useful skills include consistent cooking and frying, managing food costs and stock, running a small team and customer service. Expect typically at least 40 hours a week, and check that your lease rent fits realistic sales.