Takeout soup shop
Open a small counter-service shop selling hot soups, bread and sides for lunch and takeout.
- $25k-100k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
270,088 US businesses with employees in this field, +1.8% in a year
NAICS 722513 “Limited-service restaurants”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A small storefront or counter with a compact kitchen, serving a daily menu of soups with bread, salads and drinks. Most sales are takeout at lunch, with some phone and online orders.
Your first three steps
- Test your recipes and work out cost per bowl and a menu price that leaves a margin
- Look at small spaces near offices, schools or foot traffic, and check zoning and the previous use with your city
- Talk to your county health department about plan review and permits before signing a lease
Who pays
Office workers, students, shoppers and local residents looking for a quick, affordable meal.
How it makes money
Cup and bowl sales, combo deals with bread or a sandwich, catering trays for offices, and quarts to take home.
Skills that help
- Cooking at volume
- Food costing and portion control
- Managing staff and suppliers
- Customer service
Watch out for
- Health department plan review, food permit and inspections, which vary by county
- Check commercial lease terms, build-out costs and equipment such as hood ventilation and grease trap rules
- General liability and property insurance, plus workers' compensation once you hire
- Slower sales in warm months, so plan cash flow and a seasonal menu
- Check city business license, sales tax registration and a certified food manager requirement
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: takeout soup shop
Researched with live web search for United States: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to open a takeout soup shop?
Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on your lease, build-out, kitchen equipment such as ventilation, and permits. These are estimates, so get quotes for your location before you commit.
How much can a takeout soup shop earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on your location, menu prices, opening hours and lunch trade. The idea assumes at least 40 hours a week. These are estimates, and revenue is not profit.
What rules should I check before opening a soup shop?
Check your county's health department plan review, food permit and inspections. Check lease terms, build-out costs, hood ventilation and grease trap rules. Also check insurance, workers' compensation once you hire, city business licenses, sales tax registration and any certified food manager requirement.
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Photo: congerdesign on Pixabay