Neighborhood tofu shop with on-site production

Home cooks and neighborhood regulars, plus restaurants, caterers and grocers that want a local fresh supplier.

Retail sales of tofu and soy products at the counter, plus scheduled wholesale deliveries. Prepared items like fried tofu or ready-to-eat dishes can raise the average sale.

• Food production and recipe consistency
• Food safety and cleaning routines
• Customer service
• Managing costs and a small team

• Zoning and a certificate of occupancy for food production. Check with your city or county before signing a lease.
• Health department plan review, food manufacturer or retail food permits, and any state licensing. Rules vary by location.
• Equipment, drainage and ventilation needs can raise build-out costs, so get quotes first
• Soy allergen labeling and cross-contact controls. Check federal and state rules.
• General liability, product liability and property insurance, plus workers' compensation once you hire
• Early mornings and daily production, so lower volume days still carry fixed costs like rent

Startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on the space, equipment, drainage, ventilation and build-out needed. These are estimates, and build-out costs can rise, so get quotes before signing a lease.

Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on foot traffic, restaurant accounts and your product range. These are estimates, and fixed costs like rent still apply on slower days.

Check zoning and a certificate of occupancy for food production with your city or county before leasing. Also check health department plan review, food manufacturer or retail food permits, and federal and state soy allergen labeling rules.