Small vegan café or restaurant

Local vegans and vegetarians, health-minded diners, students and friends or families who eat out with them.

Food and drink sales across dine-in, takeout and delivery, plus catering orders and sometimes packaged goods such as baked items or sauces.

• Cooking and menu development
• Managing food costs and suppliers
• Hiring and managing staff
• Bookkeeping and basic marketing

• Health department permit, plan review and inspections, which differ by county
• Local business license, zoning, building and fire code requirements for the space
• A liquor license if you want to serve beer or wine, rules vary a lot by state
• General liability, property and workers' compensation insurance once you hire
• Long leases and high build-out costs, ask about personal guarantees
• Thin margins and rising ingredient and labor costs
• Food safety training or manager certification requirements, check your state

Startup costs are typically around $75,000 to $350,000, depending on the size of the space, build-out needs, equipment and deposits. These are estimates, so get contractor and equipment quotes before signing a lease.

Monthly revenue is typically around $15,000 to $75,000, depending on seating, opening hours, menu prices and delivery sales. These are estimates, and margins can be thin once food and labor costs are covered.

Check your health department permit, plan review and inspections, which differ by county. Also check local business license, zoning, building and fire code rules, any liquor license if you serve beer or wine, and state food safety training requirements.