Neighborhood hookah lounge

Groups of friends, students and young adults, and local communities who want a relaxed evening spot, plus people booking private nights or birthdays.

Customers pay per hookah, often with refill charges. You add drink and snack sales, plus table minimums, cover charges on event nights or private bookings.

• Customer service and hosting
• Preparing and maintaining hookahs safely
• Managing staff, stock and cash
• Local marketing and social media

• Indoor smoking laws vary widely by state, county and city, and some places ban hookah indoors or only allow it under special tobacco bar rules. Confirm before signing a lease
• Check what tobacco retail license, state tobacco permit and tax registration you need, and the federal minimum age of 21 for tobacco sales
• Some states and cities restrict flavored tobacco, so check what you can legally sell
• Fire code, ventilation and carbon monoxide safety for charcoal use, plus a health department permit if you serve food or drinks
• A separate alcohol license if you want to serve alcohol, which can be slow and costly
• General liability insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire staff
• Lease terms that may restrict smoking or require landlord approval

Startup costs are typically around $50,000 to $200,000, depending on the premises, fit-out, seating, equipment and whether you also serve food or alcohol. Lease terms may restrict smoking or need landlord approval, so check them first.

Monthly revenue is typically around $12,000 to $50,000, depending on location, opening hours, pricing and how many guests you attract. Plan for a full-time commitment, typically 40 or more hours a week.

Check indoor smoking laws, which vary by state, county and city and may ban hookah indoors. Also check tobacco licenses, permits and tax registration, the federal minimum age of 21, flavored tobacco limits, fire code and ventilation, and an alcohol license if you serve alcohol.