Snack bar at a gym, rec center or sports field

Members, players, parents and spectators who are already at the venue and want something quick.

Item sales at the counter, usually with a set rent or a share of sales paid to the venue. Busy game days and events bring the best sales.

• Basic food prep and food safety
• Negotiating with venue managers
• Customer service at busy times

• Health department permit, which may be needed even for a small counter, check with your county
• Written agreement with the venue covering rent, hours, exclusivity and who owns the equipment
• General liability insurance, which venues often ask to see, and possibly naming them as additional insured
• Sales that rise and fall with the season or the venue's schedule
• Local business license and sales tax registration

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $20,000, depending on the counter or kiosk setup, any equipment you supply, and your opening stock of drinks, packaged snacks and simple items.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on the venue, how many visitors it has and your menu. Sales can rise and fall with the season or the venue's schedule.

Check whether you need a health department permit with your county, even for a small counter. Also agree a written deal with the venue covering rent, hours, exclusivity and equipment, and check insurance, business license and sales tax registration.