Although it’s a brilliant concept to use shipping containers as restaurants, you must be careful about setting up your company. Keep a few things in mind to ensure your restaurant has a good reputation and is environmentally friendly. You should also know the cost of a restaurant in a shipping container.
Modifications that can be made
Using a shipping container as a restaurant can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to build your new restaurant. The modular design of the construction allows you to customize your floor plan and add on easily. Using shipping containers can also give your eatery a competitive edge in a crowded culinary landscape.
Whether you’re just starting in the restaurant industry or looking to expand your existing operation, a shipping container can help you reach new customers while saving money. Shipping containers are also an excellent resource for your business because they’re affordable and readily available. They can be modified to meet your needs and even painted to improve aesthetics.
One of the first shipping container modifications is air conditioning. You can have window air conditioning, exhaust fans, or ducts to keep humidity inside the container manageable. The use of a shipping container as a restaurant can mean having the ability to add a high-efficiency HVAC system.
Including windows is another frequent addition to shipping containers. It may result in a room that is more open and welcoming. You can install outdoor steps, full-length glass windows, or other mechanisms to safeguard your container.
Cost of a shipping container restaurant
Whether starting a new restaurant or expanding an existing one, the cost of a shipping container restaurant can be lower than that of a traditional space in a building. The construction process is much faster than the typical stick-built method. It also releases less dust into the air.
The costs can range from a few thousand dollars to several hundred thousand. The amount you spend depends on several factors, including the size of the shipping container, the materials needed to surround the unit, and the unit’s location.
In addition to the cost of the containers, you’ll likely have to buy or rent inventory. You’ll need back office equipment and possibly packaging to run your business. You may even need software to automate some parts of your business.
It’s essential to have an architect or structural engineer review the plans for your shipping container restaurant. It can add up to around $25k in design expenses. You may also have to pay for shop drawings or blueprints.
You’ll need permits to operate a shipping container business, and you’ll need to follow local zoning requirements. You’ll also need to have your restaurant meet health codes.
When you’re ready to open your business, you can use a financing company like Econolease to help alleviate the stress of opening your business. The company breaks down the costs into easy payments spread over time.
Eco-friendliness
Using shipping containers for restaurants offers several benefits. They are firstly affordable. They also provide a distinct hip appearance. And last, they let you promote your restaurant as a green enterprise.
Some of the most popular environmentally-friendly takeout containers are made from recycled materials. They are also biodegradable and compostable. Some are even designed with grease-resistant lining to prevent oily foods from leaking.
While some eco-friendly takeout food containers are pricey, others are surprisingly affordable. Several restaurant chains are using them.
As a result, the restaurant saves money and reduces its carbon footprint. Its ingredients are sourced from local farmers and are packaged in earth-friendly containers.
In addition, some of these restaurants have taken the extra step of composting their organic waste. This method, which turns organic matter into humus, keeps it out of landfills and provides fertilizer for crops.
Some restaurants have also installed solar thermal panels to heat water for their customers. Using solar panels for energy can save significant amounts of money.
Millennial customers care more about ingredient sourcing, allergens, and nutrition
Millennial customers are increasingly interested in food safety, ingredient sourcing, allergens, and nutrition. They are also looking for restaurants that provide healthy choices. Many restaurants offer more plant-based alternatives, more options for vegetarians and vegans, and more side items containing fruits and vegetables. And some are also working with nutrition experts to ensure that their foods are as nutritious as possible. Using whole foods allows customers to make the best choices when eating at a restaurant and builds trust with the restaurant.
Restaurants can engage Millennials by telling stories about how their meals are made. The stories can be based on the restaurant’s history, the staff’s preferences, and other themes. It helps the customer feel more involved in their meal. It also allows the customer to learn more about the processes involved. The more information consumers have about a meal, the more likely they will buy it.
Restaurants must offer nutrition information to retain the consumer to the next brand quickly. In addition, the media has been talking about food crises regularly. To protect themselves from these issues, restaurants must work with their vendors to ensure that their ingredients are not processed and do not contain preservatives or additives.
