Neighborhood nut and dried fruit shop

Local shoppers, home bakers, snackers, gift buyers and people looking for healthy or specialty snacks.

Profit on the markup between wholesale and retail price per pound, plus higher-margin custom mixes, gift tins and seasonal baskets.

• Customer service
• Buying and stock control
• Food handling and hygiene
• Basic retail bookkeeping

• Retail food permit or health department approval, check with your county health department
• Nut allergy rules: labeling, cross-contact and clear signs for customers
• Shelf life and rancidity, since nuts spoil if stored badly
• Scales used for selling by weight may need to be certified, check with your state weights and measures office
• Sales tax registration with your state and general liability insurance

Startup is estimated at typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on shop size, fit-out, equipment and opening stock. Sales tax registration and general liability insurance are also worth planning for.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on location, foot traffic, product range and whether you roast or flavor nuts in house. Plan on at least about 40 hours a week.

Check your retail food permit or health department approval with your county health department. Also check nut allergy labeling and cross-contact rules, whether your scales need certification with your state weights and measures office, and sales tax registration.