Start a neighborhood ice cream shop

Families, teens, locals on evening walks, tourists and event crowds, plus occasional party and catering orders.

Sales per scoop, cone, sundae and shake, plus add-ons like toppings and take-home pints. Warm months bring most of the sales, so many owners add hot drinks or baked treats for the cooler months.

• Customer service
• Cash handling and basic bookkeeping
• Food safety habits
• Managing stock and part-time staff

• Health department permit and inspections, plus any food handler or manager certification your state or county requires
• Commercial lease terms, build-out costs and zoning for food service, check before signing
• General liability insurance, workers' compensation once you hire, and product liability and allergen risks
• Highly seasonal sales: plan cash reserves for slow months
• Sales tax registration with your state and any local business license

Startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $200,000, depending on location, lease terms, build-out and equipment. These are estimates, so get quotes for your own space and check lease and zoning terms before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on location, menu and opening hours. These are revenue estimates, not profit. Sales can be highly seasonal, so plan cash reserves for slow months.

Check for a health department permit and inspections, plus any food handler or manager certification your state or county requires. Also check sales tax registration, any local business license, and zoning for food service before signing a lease.