What Does it Take to Open a Takeaway Business?

You’ve decided to take a leap into the hospitality industry, and open a food business. You’ve done some research, and determined that formal seating and the need for wait staff isn’t the way to go, and you’d much rather operate a more casual takeaway outlet.
So what do you need to consider? Here are just a few of the things you’ll need to think about when planning your new takeaway business.

Location

Where you are can have a huge impact on how well you trade. People need to be able to find you easily, have easy access to parking, and be able to get in and out without too much effort.
Look at other takeaway venues in the area – what can you offer that is different? What is your unique selling point?
To make it in this very tough industry, you need to have a product that people want, that is a cut above what other businesses offer.

Your Brand

Take some time with the design of your logo and business name, and employ a professional graphic artist if you lack these skills.
You need something that people will see and remember easily, so colour, font, and overall look is important.
You also need to consider how well your design will transfer from your shop front to your personalised takeaway coffee cups, napkins, food packaging, business cards, flyers and other marketing tools.

Food Packaging

Think about your product and the best most user-friendly method of transporting it when customers make their purchase. There’s an enormous range of fast food takeaway packaging available these days –  from traditional bags, boxes and trays through to recyclable and reusable products created to meet the needs of an increasingly environmentally conscious consumer base.
Depending on the type of food you’re offering, you may need to consider starting with coffee cups, cold drink cups, insulated bags, food boxes, salad takeaway containers, napkins and disposable cutlery. There may also be specialist items for particular foods that could be useful additions to that basic list.

Sustainability

Are you going to start out with a green business philosophy and practice? If so, you’ll need to look into sustainable processes, recycling, using local suppliers, and possibly linking up with community gardening programs and other composting options.

Trading Hours

Cost out the difference between being open for lunch and dinner periods against just being open for the evening trade. What makes the most financial sense? You’ll need to look at the costs involved for stock, staff and utilities against the returns.

Preparation For Opening

Plan on advance marketing well ahead of opening for trade. Look at letterboxing, advertising in local media, holding a big opening event and offering discounts for a set period to encourage people to come and try.
Your local small business association should have more information to help you out with laying the groundwork for your business.
Get ready to do a lot of market research to ensure that you’re opening the right business in the right place, and be prepared to work very hard.
Being in the food industry is tough, but owning your own business means you can be sure all your hard work is contributing to building the life you want.