Setting up a takeaway / food establishment

[jonamv8]

Hi all,

After some advice please and ideas on how much this could take.

Have a cash surplus doing nothing and an idea for a 'food' concept in the form of a takeaway which is currently in quite short supply, at least where I live it is. Without going into too much detail on the concept I'm interested to hear the experience of others in regards to setting up a food business.

I have limited catering experience, few years in my younger days so would be looking to put someone with experience in to manage it on a small salary. I'm looking at small premises, kitchen out back, counter, 2-3 tables/chairs, couple of stools. Property not to require change of use so existing rating to be able to sell food.

Fit out will be done as cheaply as possible as the concept doesn't require it to be posh porcelain etc, it can be very raw in it's appearance. Food hygiene rating seems straightforward unless I am missing anything.

When all my local shops seem to be going under, the takeaways are booming with new ones opening up every so often. I'm thinking this could be a good business to oversee while I continue on with my day to day operations.

How much cash does something this small normally take to get up and running?

Any advice much appreciated - thank you

[KFC]

I'm doing something very similar - I'll pm you in a minute with some details, happy to have a chat about it but its all new to me also.

I would imagine the quoted bit below is going to be your problem - hard to find someone to manage it all on a small salary, whilst working crappy unsociable hours, without them dipping the till or ripping you off surely?

jonamv8 said:

put someone with experience in to manage it on a small salary.

[KFC]

edit - can't pm you, looks like you've got messaging switched off.

[jonamv8]

Thanks KFC - Have PM'd you

[jonamv8]

KFC said:

I'm doing something very similar - I'll pm you in a minute with some details, happy to have a chat about it but its all new to me also.

I would imagine the quoted bit below is going to be your problem - hard to find someone to manage it all on a small salary, whilst working crappy unsociable hours, without them dipping the till or ripping you off surely?

jonamv8 said:

put someone with experience in to manage it on a small salary.

Sorry I should have been more clear, I mean a small salary compared with what I am used to in my normal line of work in IT. What would you say is a fair salary for the role??

[burwoodman]

Try searching job sites for likely rates. I would think the manager is critical. Do your dd on that front. All the best

[Cheib]

KFC said:

I'm doing something very similar - I'll pm you in a minute with some details, happy to have a chat about it but its all new to me also.

I would imagine the quoted bit below is going to be your problem - hard to find someone to manage it all on a small salary, whilst working crappy unsociable hours, without them dipping the till or ripping you off surely?

jonamv8 said:

put someone with experience in to manage it on a small salary.

Brilliant a PH'er called KFC is setting up a takeaway food business!

Honestly I think if you've got a good product though I reckon you're on to a winner....we live in London at the moment and moving out next summer. Already thinking that we're going to miss some of the great food and cafe's around where we live now.

[uber]

Try and find a successful takeaway chain ( not restaurant) with more than 5 units run by a complete independent and you will find a business with more holes than night out on the magaluf strip

You will find the main issues to be

Staff - Intelligent people do not WORK in takeaways
Suppliers - Due to tiny margins in food now suppliers are always trying to hustle you
Staff - Bad Mood - Don't expect good feedback from customers
Utilities - A well kitted out kitchen will have the same electricity charges as a lamborghini payment. As a food shop owner you are seen as high risk and deposits / responses match
Staff - Sister's friend has lost her hairdryer , you are getting a call that the staff member is sick
Price - Lots of takeaways are operated on bent structures so nobody is getting paid for rates / tax / vat etc. Expect to see the competition selling cheap / cheap / cheap
Staff - Family, Friends, Someone they know on FB - Dinner is on you

This is the reason why most fast food businesses are franchised

[ChasW]

I met a chap who had been made redundant from a senior chemical engineering role. Due to age I reckon, he struggled to get another job. Out of desperation he bought a burger van. Within a few months, once he had worked out the best spots, he was turning over 3 times his previously salary at 80% gross margin. He sourced from Costco (meat, sauces and drinks) and local supermarkets(buns). The only downsides were being on his feet all day and a bit of boredom! No staff except his son who joined him in the business.

[V8mate]

jonamv8 said:

I have limited catering experience, few years in my younger days so would be looking to put someone with experience in to manage it on a small salary. I'm looking at small premises, kitchen out back, counter, 2-3 tables/chairs, couple of stools. Property not to require change of use so existing rating to be able to sell food.

Does your product need cooking?

[jonamv8]

V8mate said:

Does your product need cooking?

Yes it will

[Frimley111R]

Cheib said:

Brilliant a PH'er called KFC is setting up a takeaway food business!