While the concept of a shipping container restaurant isn’t exactly novel anymore, it still attracts many people bored of your typical restaurant setting. This can be an excellent solution for the super expensive permanent structure. International restaurant chains like Taco Bell, Starbucks, and Subway have used this solution and had their shipping container restaurants first.
To be a restaurant, a used shipping container is repurposed as a way to press the budget and sustainability. Other than that, the shipping container restaurant is also moveable by trucks, trains, and ships. You can relocate your restaurant easily as it can be disassembled and reassembled with relative ease. This includes modular designs that can be stacked or joined together in various configurations.
This concept benefits you as your customers will appreciate it when you put thought into the dining space beyond the mouthwatering dishes you cook. Read the following article to learn how to build container restaurants and maintain them!
Food Container Restaurant Style
Following the alternative restaurant trends, various shipping container restaurant types continue popping up in many places. You need to put on thoughts into what type of restaurant will best suit your requirements. Use this guide before you decide:
Food Truck Container Restaurants
Food truck businesses are designed with the idea that they can be moved around easily, enabling them to serve clients in various locations. This is a good choice if you want to bring your restaurant to be present at a fair, event, or farmers market. You can only set food truck with little seating and basic kitchen supplies. These kinds of container eateries and coffee shops frequently specialize in a single cuisine. Install concessions windows for easy service in casual dining or food truck-style setups.
Sit-down Dining Shipping Container Restaurants
This type is good if you desire something more stable. With a sit-down dining restaurant, your customer will customers enjoy their meals in a cozy setting and do not have to wait outside for their orders. With this design, you can combine several containers to give your kitchen and dining area a larger space.
Café Style Container Restaurants
These containers are ideal for people who want to cash in on outdoor trends like al fresco dining or grab-and-go foods like cold brew coffee or smoothies. The best part about café container restaurants is that customers can unwind while enjoying their meals or drinks outside without any hustle of parking or entering a building.
Planning A Shipping Container Restaurant
If you are new in this industry, you may wonder how to open a shipping container restaurant without hassle. Opening a shipping container restaurant is not that hard if you know how to plan.
It also will not take a long time. The construction time for a shipping container restaurant is typically much shorter than traditional building methods. The overall will only take 3-6 months, much shorter than building the traditional one which will take 12-18 months.
Apply Permits
There are several permits that you need to have to open a shipping container restaurant. However, the permits may vary by location – check with your local government offices for the specific permits required in your area. Generally, it includes:
- Building Permit: For any structural modifications and new construction to ensure that the structure already meets local building codes and safety standards.
- Health Permit: To open a restaurant, this permit (kitchen, food storage, and sanitation inspections) is necessary.
- Zoning Permit: Ensures the restaurant is located in an area zoned for commercial use.
- Electrical and Plumbing Permits: Required for installing electrical systems and plumbing. These permits ensure that all installations are up to code and safely installed.
- Fire Safety Permit: Necessary to ensure that the restaurant meets fire safety standards, including fire exits, extinguishers, and sprinkler systems.
- Environmental Permits: Depending on your location, you may need permits related to waste disposal, water usage, and environmental impact.
Concept Development
After you apply permit, you can directly concept how your shipping container restaurant would be. You can begin by developing a clear and compelling concept involving these several considerations:
- Cuisine: Decide on the type of food you will serve as it will influence the design and layout of your container restaurant.
- Target Audience: Identifying your target market and then understanding them can help shape the atmosphere and design elements.
- Atmosphere: Determine the vibe you want to create. Do you envision a cozy, intimate setting or a vibrant, energetic space? Your desired atmosphere will guide your interior and exterior design choices.
Container Selection
Choosing the right containers is crucial for your project’s success. Shipping containers come in various sizes, but 20’ and 40’ units are the most commonly used for restaurant applications:
- 20’ Containers, ideal for smaller setups. Offer flexibility and ease of transport as you can combine multiple units to make one larger restaurant.
- 40’ Containers, Suitable for larger kitchens, dining areas, or when you need to accommodate more equipment and customers.
Layout and Design
Creating an efficient and customer-friendly layout is essential for the success of your container restaurant. Collaborate with a designer or architect to develop a floor plan that maximizes space efficiency.
For the kitchen, design a functional and efficient workspace and ensure there is adequate space for cooking, prep areas, and storage. For the dining area, create a comfortable and inviting space for customers by considering different seating arrangements to accommodate various dining preferences. Meanwhile, for the toilet, make sure it is accessible to customers without disrupting the dining area.
Custom Modifications
When you purchase a new or used shipping container to be your restaurant, it will come plainly like a blank canvas. That condition will allow you to create a unique and functional restaurant space include:
- Implement secure locking mechanisms for your restaurant’s safety.
- Install high-quality insulation and state-of-the-art HVAC systems (heating for colder months and air conditioning for warmer seasons) to maintain a comfortable dining environment throughout the year.
- Buy commercial-grade kitchen equipment tailored to your menu’s needs such as stainless steel counters, hoods, walk-in coolers, brick ovens, and griddles.
- Install water supply, drainage, electrical outlets, lighting, and kitchen appliances to ensure seamless operation.
- Create an inviting atmosphere with high-quality interior finishes such as hardwood flooring, tiled walls, and carpet.
- For safety in the kitchen and high-traffic areas, install non-slip flooring to prevent accidents and ensure a secure footing for staff and customers.
- Install large, floor-to-ceiling windows to flood your dining area with natural light, enhance visibility, and create an open, airy atmosphere.
- Utilize the roof space for a rooftop dining area or bar, complete with seating, shade structures, and lighting.
- Create additional outdoor seating which provides a versatile space for customers to enjoy meals in the open air.
Maintain Your Shipping Container Restaurant
A shipping container does not need much maintenance as it is made from durable steel. However, you need to do regular upkeep to ensure it remains in good condition and operates efficiently, such as:
- Treat any rust spots, especially in areas exposed to moisture, promptly and apply protective coatings to prevent further corrosion.
- Ensure that the insulation and weather seals are intact to maintain a comfortable interior environment.
- Service heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems regularly to ensure they operate efficiently and provide a comfortable environment for customers.
- To prevent leaks, blockages, and electrical faults, you need to do regular plumbing and electrical systems inspections and maintenance.
- Ensure there are no structural weaknesses or damage that could compromise safety by inspecting the structural integrity of the containers periodically.
- Deep clean the kitchen and dining area regularly to maintain high standards of cleanliness and sanitation.
- Keep the exterior clean and well-maintained by cleaning windows, doors, and any exterior signage or branding elements.
Conclusion
It is not a myth that you can have a restaurant from containers. After reading out a few basic concepts of container restaurants, you might need a container supplier who can provide any new or used shipping containers to purchase. Tradecorp is here to make your wish a little easier to grant. We are a click away from reaching out! Fill out this quote or feel free to contact us for a discussion or an inquiry.