When it comes to the restaurant industry, it’s all about finding new and innovative ways to stand out from the crowd. And in recent years, a new trend has emerged that is doing just that: shipping container restaurants.
Shipping containers are not just for storage or transport anymore. Now they can be used to make cool restaurants.
Eating in one of these places will be a special and unique experience. But what is it about these used storage containers that make them the future of dining? Let’s take a closer look.
What are shipping container restaurants?
Shipping container restaurants are buildings made from repurposed containers that are specially designed for cooking and selling food. They are mostly found in specific locations near other businesses, parks, or beaches. These structures are preferred by restaurant owners due to their durable and strong construction.
The restaurants can either have indoor seating or outdoor seating, with some opting to have only walk-up services in which customers collect their orders and find places to sit. Besides, some container restaurants opt to purchase and join several containers to create more extensive indoor spaces for sit-in customers.
What distinguishes shipping container restaurants from food trucks?
The popularity of food trucks has significantly grown in recent times due to their portability and low cost of maintenance. Although the concept of food trucks has been around for ages (think ice cream trucks), their rise in popularity can be traced back to 2008. By leveraging social media, food truck owners were able to reach out to their customers and increase brand awareness.
Food trucks are different than shipping container restaurants because they can move around easily. This makes them easier for more people to visit.
Shipping container restaurants need to stay in one place. But they can be made bigger by connecting more containers together. Additionally, it’s possible to convert a container into a food truck.
Is it possible to move shipping container restaurants?
Shipping containers are built using steel, which makes them very durable and long-lasting, especially when bought in used condition. If you need to move a restaurant in a container, make sure everything is secured tightly so it does not move around while traveling.
Although shipping container restaurants are not as mobile as food trucks, they can still be moved when necessary. The standardized sizing of shipping containers according to ISO standards makes it easier to plan for spaces and locations. Most container stores are around 20 feet or 40 feet long. This makes it easier to find a place for them than brick-and-mortar shops.
Advantages of Having a Shipping Container Restaurant
Shipping container restaurants are becoming increasingly popular among start-up businesses. This is due to the many benefits provided by using shipping containers such as:
Multi-Purpose
Shipping containers can serve multiple purposes in restaurants. As restaurants often have limited indoor storage space, additional space may be required for storing supplies. Containers are available in various sizes, such as 20-foot and 40-foot, allowing for flexible storage options for an overstocked inventory of any size.
Nowadays, many restaurants and bars opt for reused steel shipping containers as a building material. These containers are not only cost-efficient but also mobile and temporary, making them a popular choice among businesses. Some restaurants even use repurposed containers to build outdoor bars, which can be a unique addition to their existing establishment.
Cost efficient
If you need to store items for your restaurant, using an on-site shipping container can be more cost-effective than investing in off-site storage or adding more space to your building. You can choose from different conditions, such as new or used, and also decide whether to lease or buy the container. With these options, providers can accommodate your business’s budget. To find out more, you can send us a free quote here!
Mobile
Shipping containers that are portable can be moved easily from one place to another. They are a convenient storage option for businesses that require temporary or semi-permanent storage solutions. Furthermore, they are useful for businesses that plan to relocate without the burden of moving stored items.
Secure
The shipping containers used by restaurants are constructed from high-quality steel that is able to withstand strong winds and harsh weather conditions, ensuring the contents inside stay dry and safe. Since these containers have advanced locking systems, restaurants can place them in any location, even outdoors, with minimal risk of theft. There are also optional security features like padlocks and lockboxes that you can inquire about from your supplier.
Convenient
Restaurants face constantly changing needs due to their evolving clientele and dynamic environment. They may experience unexpected situations such as a sudden increase in customers or breaking a set of glassware during peak hours.
As a restaurant owner or manager, you need access to storage space to retrieve additional tables, chairs, or glassware as and when required. If your storage is located off-site at a storage facility, regular access may not be possible. This could potentially lead to dissatisfied customers and an inability to handle increased demand, ultimately resulting in revenue loss.
Climate Controlled
To ensure that temperature-sensitive items are stored properly, restaurants need climate-controlled environments. By customizing and insulating the storage container, items can be reliably stored at a range of temperatures. Simply discuss your restaurant’s needs with your supplier, and they will be able to accommodate your request.
On-Site Storage Solutions provides a variety of shipping containers that can be used to create your ideal shipping container restaurant. Whether you need to store extra equipment or materials, serve food and drinks outdoors with a-built bar, or create additional space for an expanding business, our containers can be the perfect solution.
We offer customized options to suit any size of the restaurant and climate-controlled units to preserve temperature-sensitive items. Our team is dedicated to providing you with exceptional customer service, so be sure to reach out to us for a free quote today or call us at (888) 405-8772!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Shipping container restaurants are dining establishments that are built using repurposed shipping containers. These containers are modified and transformed into unique and innovative spaces where people can enjoy food and beverages. Shipping container restaurants have gained popularity in recent years for their creative designs and sustainable approach to construction.
Shipping container restaurants are trending in the culinary industry for several reasons. Firstly, they offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar restaurants, making it more accessible for aspiring restaurateurs to enter the market. Secondly, their unique and eye-catching designs attract customers seeking novel dining experiences. Lastly, repurposing shipping containers aligns with sustainability efforts, appealing to eco-conscious consumers.
Yes, shipping container restaurants can be designed to meet safety and hygiene standards required for food preparation. The containers undergo necessary modifications, including insulation, ventilation, plumbing, and electrical installations, to ensure proper sanitation and compliance with local health regulations. Additionally, regular inspections and maintenance are conducted to uphold cleanliness and food safety protocols.
Shipping container restaurants are highly flexible in terms of location. They can be easily transported and set up in various environments, such as urban areas, parks, temporary event spaces, or even on rooftops. This flexibility allows restaurant owners to explore different markets, adapt to changing trends, and cater to diverse customer preferences.
No, shipping container restaurants are not limited in terms of menu offerings. Despite their compact size, these restaurants can accommodate fully functional kitchens capable of preparing a wide range of cuisines. Many shipping container restaurants have successfully offered diverse menus, ranging from street food to fine dining experiences. The versatility of these restaurants allows for creative and dynamic culinary offerings.
