5 Proven Ways to Operate a Food Shipping Container
Shipping container kitchens are trending for 2019. With more and more people interested in opening their first container restaurant, this trend is getting noticed by customers who crave something different. Traditional store fronts and large spaces cost too much to rent, lease and own these days. Storage containers come with a lower price tag, making this a more cost effective and versatile option for those in the food service business.
Here are five proven ways to operate a food shipping container.
1. Full Restaurant
While the most challenging of all listed here to implement, full-service restaurants using storage containers make a great choice. They are functionally identical to other restaurants you may have visited in the past, yet these stand-alone eateries do all the prep work, cooking, grilling, frying, and baking on-site inside the container.
With a storage container, you can be more flexible with your seating, menu, staff and décor. Just be prepared to pay extra for the bells and whistles.
2. Beverage Service
If you want to just serve alcohol, such as on the beach, a container is perfect for storing kegs, taps, soda machines, beer coolers and glasses. There’s room for some seating, bar tenders and equipment, giving you the perfect environment in which to interact with customers and make a name for yourself in a central location.
3. Concessions
These simple set-ups are perfect for games, sporting events, festivals, fairs, concerts, and other events, typically consisting of pre-packaged food and drink. You’ll need a cooler, cash register, and room for equipment like hotdog roasters or popcorn machines. You’ll also need shelving to place pre-packaged foods like chips and cookies. This type of container only serves as a distribution point, with no cooking or prepping on site.
4. Warm Service/Commissary
With this kind of kitchen, you can serve fresh-made food sans the added expense of an industrial oven and hood. With a commissary, you do all your cooking and prepping off site, then, bring everything to the container for distribution. You will need to equip your container with the tools and equipment necessary to warm and assemble your dishes prior to serving to customers.
5. Teaching/Showroom Kitchen
Teaching kitchens and showrooms must include high levels of finishes and special lighting to appeal to your audience. Everything must sparkle and look perfect! You’ll need to incorporate an AV system while making sure you include all the functions of an industrial kitchen.
Whether you want to serve gourmet cuisine or light snacks, shipping containers are ideal for housing kitchens of all shapes and sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Food Shipping Containers
How do I start a container restaurant?
Starting your container restaurant business requires a business plan, location scouting, ensuring compliance with local regulations, sourcing a quality container, planning design and layout, and securing funding. Your container’s solid structure can also serve as a marketing tool, offering a largely novel dining experience.
Contact Us Today
If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, request a quote on our storage and shipping containers today.
