Cloud Kitchen Unit Economics Calculator

A — Revenue Assumptions

Average Order Value (AOV)

Most Chennai cloud kitchens run Rs 250–400.

Daily Orders (Month 1)

Week 1–2: expect 20–30% of target. Start conservative.

Projection Period

3 Months 6 Months 12 Months

B — Platform Economics

Swiggy Commission Rate — 25%

25%

New restaurants: 25–28%. Negotiate after 30 days if rating 4.3+.

Zomato Commission Rate — 25%

25%

Rates are competitive with Swiggy. Same negotiation approach applies.

Platform Mix (Swiggy % of orders) — 50%

50%

Swiggy

50%

Zomato

50%

Most new kitchens run 50/50 until they have data.

Monthly Platform Ads / Marketing

Rs 0 = no boost. Rs 2,000–5,000 = basic. Rs 10,000+ = aggressive growth.

C — Food and Packaging Costs

Target Food Cost % — 25%

25%

Cloud kitchens: 22–28%. Tight because platform commission already eats margin.

Packaging Cost per Order

Sandwich: Rs 12–18. Bowl: Rs 15–22. Premium: Rs 20–30.

Waste / Spoilage

3–8% is typical. Track actual after month 1.

D — Kitchen Rent and Utilities

Monthly Kitchen Rent

Dark kitchen (Padi/Mogappair): Rs 8–15K. Prime zones: Rs 15–25K.

Monthly Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water)

50–100 orders/day: Rs 2,000–3,500. Track actual bills month 1.

E — Labour Costs

Initial Headcount

Typical: 1 head cook + 1 junior + 1 packer = 3 people.

Avg Monthly Salary per Person

Head cook Rs 15–20K, junior Rs 10–12K, packer Rs 8–10K.

Add 4th Person at How Many Daily Orders?

Each person handles ~30–50 orders/day. Add staff when near capacity.

Also add a 5th person at a higher threshold

Add 5th Person at How Many Daily Orders?

F — Other Fixed Costs (Monthly)

GST, Accounting, Compliance

Insurance

Phone, Internet, Communications

Miscellaneous (supplies, repairs)

Month 1 Snapshot

Monthly Revenue

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Total Costs

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Net Profit / Loss

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Net Margin

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Break-even orders/day

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Current orders/day

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Cost Breakdown

Get a Detailed Breakdown