Starting a shawarma business is a smart move for aspiring food entrepreneurs. Shawarma, the iconic Middle Eastern street food made from spiced meat (sliced or cubed), salad, and flatbread, has earned global appeal. Known as ‘kebab’ in parts of Europe, it is simple to prepare, cost-effective, fast to cook, and offers high returns—making it a perfect choice for newcomers to the restaurant industry.
To the customer, shawarma is a convenient, delicious, and nutritious meal-in-one. To the business owner, it offers affordability in sourcing ingredients, ease in preparation, and high speed of service. But turning this fast-food favorite into a thriving business requires thoughtful planning and a unique approach.
Step 1: Craft Your Shawarma Business Plan
Your shawarma business journey begins with a solid business plan. This blueprint should outline your objectives, target market, menu focus, startup costs, and financial projections. It should also include a comprehensive market analysis, covering customer preferences, local competition, and trends.
Key elements of your business plan:
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Executive summary
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Market research & analysis
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Financial projections
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Marketing strategies
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Operational plan
Step 2: Choose a High-Traffic Location
When it comes to shawarma success, it’s all about "location, location, location." Avoid cheap, remote spaces. Instead, choose areas with high footfall—shopping malls, business districts, tourist attractions, and transportation hubs. These spots attract spontaneous eaters and repeat customers alike. Proximity to your target audience will dramatically impact your daily revenue.
Location checklist:
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High foot traffic
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Visibility from the street
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Proximity to offices, schools, or shopping zones
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Consideration of local competitors
Step 3: Equip Your Kitchen with the Right Tools
Reliable, commercial-grade equipment ensures consistency, safety, and efficiency. Don’t cut corners with second-hand gear that might break down and halt your business. Instead, invest in essential shawarma kitchen tools.
Essential shawarma equipment list:
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Vertical shawarma grill with rotating skewer
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Fryer (for falafel, fries, etc.)
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Bread press or wrap sealer
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POS system and display fridge
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Meat slicers, knives, and pickers
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Ventilation fan and water pump
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Sanitizers, fire safety tools, cleaning supplies
A reliable equipment setup lays the groundwork for a smooth operation, helping you handle peak hours with ease.
Step 4: Develop a Signature Shawarma Offering
Stand out by specializing in one memorable shawarma option. Whether it’s the healthiest shawarma, the biggest, the most gourmet, or the most traditional—focus on a single selling point that defines your brand. This focus makes your business easier to market both online and in-store.
Your unique value proposition will help customers remember you and make you stand out on social media, food delivery platforms, and in your community.
Step 5: Build a Winning Menu
Start with popular staples like chicken and beef shawarma, then expand to include vegetarian or regional-inspired versions. Offer combo meals with hummus, pickles, salads, or fries. Tailor your menu based on local preferences, dietary trends, and cultural flavors.
Ingredient essentials:
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Fresh chicken, beef, or lamb
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Authentic spices and marinades
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Fresh produce (lettuce, tomato, cucumber, onion)
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Flatbreads, pita, or wraps
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Chickpeas, tahini, and yogurt for sauces
Build partnerships with local suppliers to ensure freshness and reduce ingredient costs.
Step 6: Hire and Train a Skilled Team
Your staff is the face of your business. Hire team members who are passionate about food and customer service. Train them well in food safety, preparation techniques, equipment handling, and customer interaction.
Training topics:
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Food hygiene and safety standards
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Efficient prep and cooking methods
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Customer service etiquette
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Equipment operation
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Handling feedback and complaints
Step 7: Secure Permits and Stay Compliant
Health regulations and permits are non-negotiable. Ensure your kitchen setup, food handling, and safety practices meet local laws.
Compliance checklist:
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Business registration
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Food handling certification
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Health inspections and licenses
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Fire safety and sanitation approvals
Step 8: Market Your Shawarma Brand
To succeed in today’s competitive market, branding and marketing are essential. Develop a catchy name, design a recognizable logo, and create an inviting storefront or food stall.
Use social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok to share photos, behind-the-scenes videos, and promotions. Attend local events and offer tasting samples. Partner with delivery apps to expand your reach.
Marketing tips:
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Launch with a grand opening event
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Post high-quality food content online
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Engage with local influencers or bloggers
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Offer limited-time deals or combo specials
by Eleonora Gaini (https://unsplash.com/@8eleonora8)
Step 9: Manage Finances and Control Costs
Track your income and expenses diligently. Regularly review ingredient costs and supplier terms. Aim to balance quality with affordability, ensuring long-term profitability.
Finance tips:
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Monitor daily sales and costs
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Review supplier contracts for savings
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Limit waste and streamline portions
Final Thoughts
Starting a shawarma business blends culinary creativity with smart entrepreneurship. From selecting the right location to offering a standout menu, each decision impacts your success. With quality equipment, trained staff, and strong marketing, your shawarma venture can thrive in today’s fast-casual food scene.
At Chefco, we offer a full range of commercial kitchen equipment to help you launch and grow your shawarma business—including vertical grills, meat slicers, prep tables, refrigeration units, and more. Explore our catalog to find everything you need to run a smooth, efficient, and successful operation.
