Shipping Container Restaurant

Revolutionize Dining with Custom Shipping Container Restaurants by Craftsmen Industries

Shipping container restaurants are reshaping the food and beverage industry with their bold aesthetic, portability, and rapid deployment capabilities. Whether you're launching your first eatery, growing a fast-casual concept, or creating a mobile pop-up dining experience, a shipping container restaurant offers a modern, efficient, and cost-effective solution—and Craftsmen Industries is here to bring your vision to life.

What is a Shipping Container Restaurant?

A shipping container restaurant is a repurposed metal shipping container that has been fully transformed into a fully functional food service establishment. Outfitted with the latest kitchen equipment, these units meet all modern culinary requirements while offering a unique industrial look that sets them apart from traditional brick-and-mortar establishments.

More than just eye-catching, these container-based restaurants embrace sustainability, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, making them a popular choice for innovative restaurateurs.

Benefits of Shipping Container Restaurants

The benefits of shipping container restaurants go far beyond their rugged aesthetic. They offer practical, economic, and operational advantages that make them ideal for a wide range of business models—from small start-ups to large-scale food brands.

Common Benefits Include:

• Mobility: Relocate your restaurant with ease based on season, traffic, or opportunity.
  
  
• Faster Launch: Build and deploy faster than traditional restaurant construction.
  
  
• Affordability: Lower build costs and operational expenses.
  
  
• Modular Expansion: Stack or connect containers to scale up quickly.
  
  
• Energy Efficiency: Optional solar panels and insulation reduce energy consumption.
  
  
• Pest Control: Tighter builds offer fewer access points for pests.
  
  
• Unique Look: Stand out with a bold, industrial design.
  
  
• Brand Visibility: Custom exteriors and signage enhance brand awareness.
  
  
• Easier Renovation: Modify your space with minimal downtime.

Materials Used in Restaurant Containers

Shipping containers are typically made from Corten steel, a weathering steel known for its durability and corrosion resistance. While the base container is simple in form, the design potential is nearly limitless. Many modern builds incorporate:

• Glass walls or roofs for an open-air, modern look
  
  
• Timber cladding for warmth and contrast
  
  
• Solar panels to minimize the carbon footprint
  
  
• Custom facades and awnings to enhance street appeal
  
  

At Craftsmen Industries, we integrate materials and finishes that reflect your brand and meet local codes—all while preserving the strength and portability of the core structure.

How Long Does It Take to Build a Shipping Container Restaurant?

Build timelines vary depending on several factors, including:

• Size of the unit(s)
  
  
• Complexity of the design
  
  
• Kitchen and utility requirements
  
  
• Location and site access
  
  
• Custom finishes and branding
  
  

By working closely with our engineers and project managers, we’ll develop a realistic and efficient production schedule that accounts for every step—from design to installation.

Common Steps in Building a Shipping Container Restaurant

1. Choose the Right Unit Size: various range of containers available
   
   
2. Decide on the Desired Aesthetic: Industrial, modern, rustic, etc.
   
   
3. Develop a Brand (If New): Create a unique concept that stands out
   
   
4. Select Strategic Location(s): Where you’ll attract the most traffic
   
   
5. Partner with a Trusted Provider: Craftsmen Industries handles it all
   
   
6. Consult with Engineers/Architects: Ensure all code and utility needs are met
   
   

Our in-house design, fabrication, and engineering teams ensure all aspects of your build are seamless and on schedule.

Typical Price Range & Cost Factors

Pricing for shipping container restaurants depends on several factors:

• Size of Unit: 10’, 20’, and 40’ containers
  
  
• Design Complexity: Custom layouts, graphics, and finishes
  
  
• Utilities & Equipment: Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, kitchen gear
  
  
• Condition of Container: New vs. repurposed units
  
  
• Transportation: Distance from our facility to your installation site
  
  

In addition to fabrication, you may incur costs for:

• Conceptual renderings and layouts
  
  
• Interior design and build-outs
  
  
• Code compliance and permit documentation
  
  
• Make-up air calculations and utility integration
  
  

Craftsmen Industries offers transparent, detailed quotes that help you budget effectively, with no surprises.

Our Capabilities at Craftsmen Industries

With over 40 years of experience and a state-of-the-art 127,000 sq. ft. facility, Craftsmen Industries offers complete end-to-end solutions for shipping container restaurants:

Our In-House Services Include:

• Engineering & architectural planning
  
  
• Custom interior and exterior fabrication
  
  
• HVAC, electrical, and plumbing integration
  
  
• Branding, signage, and graphics
  
  
• Code compliance and permit coordination
  
  
• Turnkey project management
  
  

Whether you need a stand-alone unit, a multi-container complex, or a mobile restaurant, we design and build structures that are durable, portable, and visually impactful.

Customization & Branding Options

We understand that your restaurant is a reflection of your brand, which is why our customization options are nearly limitless:

• Roll-up or sliding service windows
  
  
• Rooftop patios and outdoor seating
  
  
• Fully equipped commercial kitchens
  
  
• Climate control and ventilation systems
  
  
• Custom lighting and interior décor
  
  
• Exterior graphics and signage for bold brand exposure
  
  

Our team ensures that your space is as functional as it is memorable.

Built to Move, Built to Last

Whether you’re serving customers at a music festival, sporting event, campus, or high-traffic city location, your restaurant needs to perform—day in and day out. At Craftsmen Industries, we build with durability, safety, and ease of transport in mind.

We ensure that all units meet local building codes and health standards.

Why Choose Craftsmen Industries?

Craftsmen Industries is a leader in specialty fabrication, with decades of experience bringing unique concepts to life. We specialize in:

• Mobile kitchens
  
  
• Modular food service structures
  
  
• Experiential marketing units
  
  
• Food trucks and pop-up spaces
  
  

From vision to execution, our expert team helps you turn your ideas into reality—on time and within budget.