Neighborhood takeout restaurant

Local families, workers on lunch breaks, students and late-evening customers within a short drive of your shop.

Sales of meals and combos, with a good profit margin on drinks and sides. Repeat local customers and bundled family meals help raise the average order. Delivery apps bring extra orders but charge fees.

• Cooking consistently at speed
• Food cost control and menu pricing
• Managing staff and busy rushes
• Customer service

• Health department permit, plan review and inspections; check your county's rules before signing a lease
• Zoning, certificate of occupancy and fire code (hood and fire suppression systems can be costly); check with your city
• General liability insurance, plus workers' compensation once you hire; check your state's rules
• Sales tax registration and your state's rules on prepared food
• Delivery app fees can eat into thin margins, so price your menu with them in mind
• Long hours, and the lease commitment is a real financial risk

Startup costs are typically around $30,000 to $150,000, depending on the location, kitchen equipment and fit-out. Hood and fire suppression systems can be costly, so check what your space needs before signing a lease.

Monthly revenue is typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your menu, location and hours. These estimates start from about 40 hours a week. Delivery app fees can eat into thin margins, so price your menu with them in mind.

Check your county's rules on a health department permit, plan review and inspections before signing a lease. Also check zoning, certificate of occupancy and fire code with your city, plus sales tax registration and your state's rules on prepared food.