No baseball or football match is complete without some nachos and soda in a spectator’s hands, and a shipping container shop on the stadium’s premises is the place to get some.
From the largest stadiums like Fenway Park and Geodis Park to your local high school baseball parks, having them without concessions is unthinkable.
With the increasing popularity of shipping container shop concepts as F&B establishments, the sight of these container-based joints isn’t that uncommon anymore.
If you want to open a temporary joint using a shipping container shop in seasonal games to turn a profit, check this guide!
Income Contribution of Food Vendors to Football Stadiums’ Earnings
Leagues like MLB and NFL need no introduction on how famous they are – with their revenues of $11.6 billion and $20.2 billion in 2023, they’re truly the industry giants.
One major contributor to such profit is concessions, where thousands always flock to joints to buy food and drinks during seasonal games.
Such is the importance of concessions in sports stadiums, that Aramark’s U.S. Sports, Leisure & Corrections division, for example, earned $3.5 billion in FY2023.
It’s not just about the high volume of sales per game – it’s also about the convenience and variety that food vendors provide, which keeps fans coming back for more.
From quick snacks to full meals, the wide variety of food and drink options enhances the overall experience of attending the game.
With stadiums hosting multiple games throughout the season, and sometimes even hosting concerts and other events, the food and beverage market is an ongoing revenue stream for both the stadium and vendors.
However, the competition is fierce, with numerous food trucks, kiosks, and pop-up stalls vying for attention. This is where shipping container shops become an alternative and compelling option for vendors looking to stand out while keeping costs low.
Also Read: Examples of Container Buildings in the Sports Industry
How to Set Up a Shipping Container Shop at Stadiums During Games
Setting up a shipping container shop at a football stadium can be a fantastic way to offer fans unique food experiences while benefiting from these containers’ mobility, cost-effectiveness, and modularity.
Research Stadium Rules and Regulations
Before you start looking into setting up your container shop, the first step is to thoroughly research the rules and regulations for vendors at football stadiums.
Each stadium and its managing organization will have its own set of guidelines regarding vendor permits, health codes, and operational hours.
Stadiums will usually ask you to obtain a vendor’s license, food safety certification, and a specific vendor spot for your container.
Some stadiums might have designated zones to set up temporary vendors, while others prefer more permanent arrangements.
Tip
Reach out to the stadium’s management or vendor coordinator well in advance to understand all the requirements.
You’ll also need to ask about costs, such as rental fees for space, electricity, water, and any other fees that might apply.
Source a Suitable Container
Once you have the necessary permits and approvals, the next step is to acquire a shipping container.
One particularly robust option is Tradecorp’s 10′ High Cube Cafe Shipping Container, designed as a portable cafe that tenants can install relatively quickly.
Thanks to its high-cube design, tenants can easily prepare food and drinks for customers inside the cafe container.
Since the container has three service windows, tenants can use one to accept orders and the others as ventilation or windows for customers to take their orders.
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Utilize the container’s versatility as much as possible by modifying it by adding HVAC systems to keep you cool.
If you have other modification ideas like changing the color, you can ask Tradecorp to show you how to do them.
Design and Outfit the Interior
One of the best things about shipping container shops is their adaptability, meaning you can convert them into a compact kitchen space or a more extensive food preparation area.
Depending on your offerings, you’ll need to consider the right appliances and equipment, such as refrigerators, grills, fryers, and ovens.
To maximize the container’s space (if you use the Cafe Container we mentioned above), use vertical space with shelves or overhead cabinets for storage and set up your kitchen in a way that allows for easy access to all equipment.
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Make sure to consider ventilation, as cooking in a small space can create a lot of heat. You may need to install an exhaust fan to maintain comfort for your staff and customers.
When it comes to design, make sure your container has clear branding. Custom paint jobs and graphics that match your food concept (sports-themed, gourmet, or even retro-inspired) will attract customers and make your shop stand out among other vendors.
Menu Selection and Equipment
What you sell in your container shop should be in line with the type of crowd that visits football stadiums.
Fans usually want quick, delicious, and easy-to-eat foods like hot dogs, pizza, burgers, and nachos, but there’s also a rising demand for healthier, unique options like vegan or gluten-free food.
To keep things simple, focus on a smaller, specialized menu. Offering a signature dish or beverage unique to your container shop can help create a loyal following.
Consider creating combo meals or offering crowd favorites like drinks, snacks, and desserts to add variety without overloading your kitchen.
Besides food and drink, have the necessary equipment to serve customers quickly. Cash registers or POS (point of sale) systems, inventory tracking, and digital payment options are important for a smooth transaction process, especially when large crowds gather in your joint.
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Think about packaging as well. High-quality, branded packaging is important for both food safety and presentation.
You can also choose eco-friendly options where possible to align with sustainability goals, which will resonate with a lot of customers.
Marketing Your Shipping Container Shop
Once everything is set up, the next step is attracting customers to your container shop. Social media is a great tool for spreading the word since you’ll be operating in a high-traffic venue like a football stadium.
You can promote your food offerings on platforms like Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook. Include photos of your food, behind-the-scenes shots of the setup process, and special offers to draw fans in.
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Partnering with the stadium or other local vendors to cross-promote your container shop can help attract more customers.
Offering exclusive game-day discounts or deals will also create a sense of urgency.
Conclusion
Thanks to shipping container shops, even local food joints can open their stores in local sports stadiums during seasonal games without renting some space in these stadiums’ pre-constructed concession areas. If you need a perfect container for that purpose, contact Tradecorp today via the quote form. With over 35 years of experience in the industry, Tradecorp’s containers are usable for any business purpose their users might have!