Passive income: NO

Starting a restaurant as a side hustle with the goal of earning passive income is unlikely for most people. Running a restaurant requires significant time, effort, and ongoing involvement to ensure its success. The setup costs for starting a restaurant can range from $50,000 to $500,000 depending on the scale and location. To potentially make it more passive, one would need to invest in systems like automation for ordering, inventory management, and staff scheduling. However, even with these systems in place, the day-to-day operations of a restaurant typically require hands-on management to maintain quality and customer satisfaction. While some successful restaurant owners may eventually delegate more tasks and step back from daily operations, truly passive income is rare in the restaurant industry. Many factors, such as competition, changing consumer preferences, and unpredictable costs, can make it challenging to achieve a fully passive income from a restaurant. It's crucial to have realistic expectations and be prepared for the level of dedication and hard work required in this business.