Neighborhood sandwich shop

Office workers on lunch breaks, students, nearby residents and small catering customers.

Per-item sales of sandwiches, sides and drinks, with extra from lunch combos, office catering orders and delivery app sales.

• Fast, consistent food prep
• Cost control and ordering
• Customer service
• Managing staff and schedules

• Health department permit and inspections, and any food manager certification your state or county requires
• Lease terms, build-out costs and whether the space is already zoned and equipped for food use
• General liability insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire
• Thin margins: food cost, rent and labor can eat into profit quickly
• Local business license and state sales tax registration

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $30,000 to $150,000, depending on the space, build-out and equipment. Check lease terms and whether the space is already zoned and equipped for food use, as that can change your costs.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around $12,000 to $60,000, depending on location, hours and menu. Food cost, rent and labor can eat into profit quickly, so margins are thin and worth planning for carefully.

Check for a health department permit and inspections, any food manager certification your state or county requires, a local business license and state sales tax registration. Also check general liability insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire.