Planning to launch a hospitality venture in 2025? Whether you're thinking about a café, food truck, or ghost kitchen, budgeting correctly is critical. This guide breaks down typical startup costs for each model so you can launch smart, not stressed.
1. Café Startup Costs
- Lease and Renovation: $50,000 to $100,000+ depending on size and location.
- Equipment: Coffee machines, ovens, fridges ($20,000–$50,000).
- Licenses and Permits: Council-specific requirements, food handling certification.
- Staffing: Hiring chefs, baristas, FOH, kitchen hands to get started.
Estimated total: $100,000–$250,000+
2. Food Truck Startup Costs
- Vehicle Purchase or Lease: New = $60,000–$120,000; used = cheaper.
- Kitchen Fit-Out: Stainless, gas, storage setup ($15,000–$40,000).
- Licenses: Mobile food permits, inspections, business rego.
- Operations: Fuel, repairs, public liability insurance.
Estimated total: $80,000–$150,000
3. Ghost Kitchen Startup Costs
- Kitchen Lease: Shared facilities typically $1,000–$5,000/month.
- Equipment: Varies depending on menu (often minimal).
- Tech Stack: POS, delivery integration, online ordering tools.
- Permits: Health & food business registration required.
Estimated total: $30,000–$80,000
4. Common Costs for All Hospitality Startups
- Marketing: Logo, signage, website, social media setup ($3,000–$10,000)
- Insurance: Liability, staff cover, business continuity
- Contingency: 10–20% of your budget as a buffer
5. Quick Comparison
| Business Type | Estimated Startup Cost |
|---|
| Café |
$100,000 – $250,000+ |
| Food Truck |
$80,000 – $150,000 |
| Ghost Kitchen |
$30,000 – $80,000 |
6. Tips to Lower Startup Costs
- Lease equipment instead of buying outright
- Buy second-hand gear from closing venues
- Start small (e.g., pop-ups or soft launch)
- Use organic marketing first before spending on ads
📚 Related Articles
✅ Conclusion
Your budget shapes everything—from your model to your timeline. Start lean, spend wisely, and remember: the smartest founders get creative with cash flow.
👉 Post your first job on Venture Uplift to find flexible hospo talent and reduce hiring overhead from day one.
