Neighborhood ham and deli shop

Local households, food lovers, holiday shoppers, and nearby restaurants, caterers and offices ordering platters.

Retail margin on meats sold by weight or by the piece, plus higher-value holiday orders, gift boxes, sandwiches and catering platters.

• Knowing cured and smoked meats well enough to advise customers
• Basic slicing and food handling
• Ordering, stock control and pricing
• Friendly customer service

• Retail food permit and inspections from your local health department, so check the requirements before signing a lease
• Buy meat only from suppliers with proper inspection and keep temperature logs for cold storage
• Check whether your state or city requires food handler or food manager certification
• General liability and product liability insurance, plus workers' compensation once you hire staff
• Sales are heavily seasonal around holidays, so plan your cash flow for quiet months
• Register for your state's sales tax and check local zoning for retail food use

Startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on your premises, refrigeration, equipment and initial stock. These are estimates, so get local quotes before signing a lease.

Check retail food permit and inspection requirements with your local health department before signing a lease. Also check food handler or manager certification, inspected meat suppliers, temperature logs, sales tax registration and zoning for retail food use.

Monthly revenue is typically around $12,000 to $50,000, depending on location and season. Plan on at least about 40 hours a week. Sales are heavily seasonal around holidays, so plan cash flow for quiet months.