Start a neighborhood pizza takeout shop

Local families, students, office workers on lunch breaks and people ordering for groups or game nights.

Sales of pizzas, sides and drinks, with higher totals from family deals, lunch specials and group orders. Delivery fees and your own online ordering can improve margins compared with third-party apps.

• Making consistent pizza dough and recipes
• Food safety and kitchen organization
• Managing food costs and stock
• Customer service and hiring staff

• Health department permit, plan review and food handler or manager certification rules, check with your county
• Fire safety and ventilation requirements for commercial ovens, check with your city fire marshal and landlord
• General liability, property and workers' compensation insurance once you hire
• Third-party delivery apps charge commissions that can eat into margins, check current fees
• Sales tax registration with your state and local business license

Startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on your premises, oven and kitchen equipment, and fit-out. A compact shop with little or no dining room keeps rent and staffing lower than a full restaurant.

Monthly revenue is typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on location, menu and order volume. Third-party delivery apps charge commissions that can eat into margins, so check current fees.

Check with your county on health department permits, plan review and food handler or manager certification. Also check fire safety and ventilation rules for commercial ovens with your city fire marshal and landlord, plus state sales tax registration and a local business license.