People will always need to eat and with the pace of life picking up, and the projected growth in population forecast for the UK over the next decade, there has never been a better time to start. There is definitely an opportunity for an independent fast food retailer to grab a slice of the profits as many people are fed up of the traditional fast food franchises.

I would definitely avoid going down the traditional route of selling juicy burgers, fried chicken, hot dogs, fries, milk shakes & soft drinks. This segment of the market is already well catered for and you will find it difficult to improve on the existing outlets already available. There has also recently been a backlash over fast food outlets selling unhealthy fried food.

Fish and chip shops are another no-go area. Margins admittedly are high and if you find the right location you could be serving unhealthy but profitable food to the whole neighborhood. I personally do not like the idea of working in a hot greasy environment seven days a week.

I actually like the new types of fast food shops that are opening up serving gourmet sandwiches made on freshly baked bread. They use quality ingredients and make up mouth watering sandwiches whilst you watch. Customers have a range of delicious bread and rolls to choose from and they can customize each sandwich to their own tastes.

You can add to your range by selling a complement of lovely home made soups, aromatic coffee, tea and soft drinks. This route to people's appetites has ample room for enterprising newcomers and the margins are high. You are also serving healthy, nutritious food and the market is definitely moving in this direction.

You do not need to worry about maintaining fryers, grillers or ovens as there is little cooking involved. Many of the fillings can be prepared early in the morning or the night before. You can supply your product on quality foil backed paper packaging that protects the food and also serves as a vessel to eat from and catch the crumbs.

Could this type of business opportunity be right for you? The hours are long and you will need to be open early to catch the people before they start work. Then there is the lunch time frenzy as people queue up for your delicious sandwiches. Finally you will have to also cater for people once they have finished work.

Start-up costs are low, and for anyone willing to work hard, the margins are very good. A site will have to be found that has a high volume of footfall. A decent sandwich shop can be set up with as little $25,000 ready cash and a helpful bank manager.

The market is demanding though and you will have to splash out on decent fixtures and fittings and a great store front to create an inviting, contemporary setting. If you do get the ingredients right, this could be the start to a lucrative business chain serving healthy nutritious food.