Are you thinking of starting up a fish and chip shop? Fitting it out correctly is essential to success – but it can be expensive. Generally, you can expect to pay around £50,000 – £820,000 for a fish and chip shop fit-out. Naturally, this will depend on your store’s size and how many fixtures and fittings you need.
Breakdown of Fish and chip shop fit-out cost
The table below shows indicative fish and chip shop fit-out costs. These are based on a typical-sized fish and chip shop of around 100-120 sq ft.
| Type and size | Low-Fitting Cost | High-Fitting Cost |
| Small independent fish and chip shop | £50,000 | £120,000 |
| High Street chain fish bar | £350,000 | £820,000 |
| High-end Restaurant fish and chip shop | £650,000 | £1 million+ |
The fish and chip shop fit-out cost vary significantly depending on the type of fish and chip shop you want to create. If you’re on a tight budget, it’s possible to find second-hand equipment for your kitchen which can help you cut costs significantly. On the other hand, if you just bought the shop front and it happens to be a kebab shop you can reuse some of the kitchen equipment and if it was a coffee shop you can reuse the furniture to reduce your overall budget. However, be aware that this may not meet current food hygiene standards.
When planning your fish and chip shop fit-out, it’s essential to factor in additional costs such as signage, décor, and flooring. These can add several thousand pounds to the overall cost.
To get an accurate fish and chip shop fit-out cost, it’s best to speak to a professional restaurant consultant who can assess your specific needs. A fit out contractor will be able to provide you with a tailored quote based on your budget and requirements.
Factors affecting fish and chip shop fitting cost
The cost of your fish and chip shop fit-out will depend on a few different aspects:
1. Shop size
The bigger the shop, the more you’ll need to spend on fitting it out. You may be able to save some money through creative use of open spaces, but your options will be rather limited in this regard.
2. Location
If you’re in a busy area, you’ll likely need to spend more on security and soundproofing. This can add a lot to your fit-out costs, and in some cases it may be the main contributing factor to them. You may also need to think about additional insurance.
3. Quality of fixtures and fittings
If you want top-of-the-line equipment, you’ll need to be prepared to pay more. Shopping for used equipment is always an option, but it has to be considered with caution as it brings some potential disadvantages to the table.
4. Existing location
You’ll need to budget for the price of items like walls, flooring, and ceilings if you’re building a fish-and-chip store from scratch. You could reduce some of these expenses if you’re remodelling an existing space, like a cafe or takeout restaurant.
5. Overall design
If you want to go for a more complex design, you should of course be prepared to pay more for the fit-out of your shop. You should talk to a professional designer to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money in that case.
6. Working with a designer
If you’re using a professional designer, this will add to the overall cost.
7. Fit-out company
The company you use for your fish and chip shop fit-out will also affect the cost. Make sure to get quotes from a few companies before deciding.
8. Timing
The time of year you carry out your fish and chip shop fit-out can also affect the cost. For example, prices are generally higher in the summer as this is a busy time for fit-out companies.
9. Additional costs
You’ll need to factor in a few additional costs, such as council approval fees, planning permission, and building regulations.
Once you have your fish and chip shop fit-out cost, you can start planning your budget and making arrangements for the work to be carried out. With some planning, you can ensure that your fish and chip shop is fitted to a high standard without breaking the bank.