Has anyone started a non tech related business before?
dtap: I started a company looking to do some small scale manufacturing. In a non-web space, it really depends on IP, either currently had or to be developed. Also, any product that is larger than a hand-held widget is going to cost into the hundred thousands to produce (molds, jigs, etc.). There is no open-source manufacturing.Anything like coffee shops or restaurants are going to take all of your time and be difficult to scale. Only if you reach a level where you can franchise can you get to sustainable growth. Otherwise, it is how much time can you spend on growing it. Anyone who would be capable of taking over some of your responsibilities is likely to go and start their own restaurant.