Starting a food business in South Africa can be one of the most exciting and profitable ventures—if done right. Whether you’re dreaming of selling traditional dishes, burgers, bunny chows, or baked goods, it all starts with understanding your startup costs and setting up your business space properly.
In this guide, we’ll break down realistic costs, from mobile kitchens and equipment to branding and licenses—so you can launch confidently.
🍔 1. Mobile Kitchen or Food Trailer Setup
One of the most affordable and flexible ways to start a food business is by using a mobile kitchen trailer or container.
At Rakutu, we offer professionally built mobile kitchens starting from just R68,000.
What’s included:
- Durable trailer or container frame
- Interior fittings: shelves, counters, rubberized flooring
- Optional: stainless steel worktops, sinks, extractor fans, stoves, or gas fittings
- Custom layout based on your menu and workflow
- Branding & signage (on request)
💬 Want a custom quote tailored to your business? Click here to get one free.
🛠️ 2. Equipment & Appliances
Depending on your offering, you’ll likely need:
- 2-plate gas stove: R600 – R1,200
- Deep fryer: R1,500 – R3,000
- Cooler/fridge: R2,500 – R6,000
- Utensils, serving trays, pots: R2,000+
- Gas cylinder & regulator: R1,000 – R2,000
👉 Tip: We can include fittings in your quote based on your menu. Get started here.
📜 3. Licenses & Registration
To operate legally, you’ll need to budget for:
- Business registration: ±R175 – R500
- Trading license (municipality): ±R300 – R1,000
- Health inspection & Certificate of Acceptability: Free to ±R500
- Food handler training (optional but recommended): R400 – R800
🎨 4. Branding & Marketing
You don’t just want a food business—you want one that looks professional and attracts customers.
Budget for:
- Logo & branding design: R500 – R2,000
- Printed menu boards & decals: R600 – R2,000
- Facebook/Instagram promotions: R200+ per campaign
- Business cards & flyers: R300 – R1,000
Need help with branding too? Ask us when requesting your quote.
📍 5. Total Estimated Startup Cost
Here’s a basic budget range to get you started:
| Item | Cost Range (ZAR) |
|---|---|
| Mobile kitchen / trailer | From R68,000 |
| Equipment | R7,000 – R15,000 |
| Licenses & registration | R1,000 – R2,000 |
| Branding & signage | R1,500 – R5,000 |
| Total Estimated Budget | R77,500 – R140,000+ |
🔑 Get Your Custom Quote – Fast & Free
Every food business is unique. That’s why we custom-build every mobile kitchen based on your needs, goals, and budget.
🎯 Whether you’re in Soweto, Midrand, Bloemfontein, or Burgersfort—we build and deliver nationwide.
📲 Click here to request your free quote now
No downloads. No pressure. Just honest pricing and real solutions.
🙌 Let’s Build Your Dream Together
At Rakutu, we’ve helped over 140 entrepreneurs across South Africa turn their food business dreams into reality with custom mobile kitchens, container shops, and renovation services.
We’re ready to help you next.
➡️ Request your quote now and let’s get cooking.