my two cents. there are many stories of independent small businesses that go bust, usually within the first two years. in other words, the odds are not in your favor. my advice is to check out one of the major franchises that have a long track record of success, i.e. Dunkin Donuts for one. I've heard a Dunkin Donuts in the right location can make a KILLING. granted a franchise costs more to open but the payoff can be substantially more as well.