Have you ever thought about opening a café or restaurant in a shipping container? Or maybe you’re dreaming of a quirky little container coffee shop serving up top-quality brews with a side of industrial-chic charm?
Affordable, flexible, and packed with personality, shipping container restaurants and container cafeterias are popping up everywhere, and there are several good reasons for this.
At Gap Containers, we’ve helped plenty of businesses turn humble shipping containers into thriving food and drink spots. So, if you’re thinking about launching your own shipping container café, here’s everything you need to know.
Why open a shipping container café or restaurant?
Starting a new business venture is exciting, but let’s be honest – it can also be expensive.
Opening a coffee shop in a shipping container offers a creative, budget-friendly alternative to renting a traditional space. Here’s why so many people are jumping on board:
1️. Lower costs, bigger potential
Renting a high-street café or restaurant can be eye-wateringly expensive, and that’s before you even consider the costs of fitting it out with everything you’ll need.
A shipping container restaurant or café costs a fraction of the price and you will have the security of owning your space outright.
Plus, if you ever fancy a change of scenery or want to move to a place where you’re likely to get more custom, you can literally move your shipping container café somewhere else!
2. Unique, eye-catching design
Want instant kerb appeal? Shipping container cafés can be designed with a sleek modern look, rustic charm, or full-on urban industrial – the choice is yours.
Whatever look you decide to go for, a container setup is sure to make a bold statement. It’s different, it’s cool, and – let’s be real – it’s going to look fab on Instagram!
3. Sustainability matters
More and more customers want to support businesses that care about the environment.
A container coffee shop is a great way to upcycle a durable structure and reduce waste.
Many owners choose to take their environmental responsibility a step further by adding solar panels, rainwater collection, or energy-efficient insulation, too.
4. Shipping container cafes are flexible & mobile
Not sure where you want to set up shop? Unsure where you’re likely to get the highest footfall? A shipping container café gives you limitless options.
You can place it in a busy urban area, a festival site, or even create a pop-up restaurant or café, giving you the freedom to test different locations, adapt to seasonal trends, and take your shipping container café or restaurant directly to wherever the demand is highest!
How to convert a shipping container into a café or restaurant
There’s a little more to converting a container into a café than sticking in a coffee machine and calling it a day.
You’ll need to think about layout, insulation, power, and all the little details that make a café or restaurant run smoothly.
Here are some things you’ll need to consider:
Choosing the right container for your café or restaurant
A 20ft shipping container is ideal for small cafés and takeaway setups, while a 40ft container gives you more space for a kitchen, seating, and storage.
You’ll also want to think about insulation – especially if you’ll be working through cold winters or hot summers.
Standard shipping containers do not come with insulation, as they are designed for transporting goods rather than maintaining a comfortable temperature for people.
If you’re converting a container into a café or restaurant, insulation is an essential upgrade. It will regulate internal temperatures, prevent condensation, and make your container café or restaurant more energy efficient, reducing your heating costs.
Designing the interior of your shipping container café or restaurant
Your interior design can be as simple or as elaborate as you like.
However, in a converted shipping container, space is going to be pretty limited, so efficiency is key.
You’ll need room for counters, equipment, storage, and customer interaction, so you’ll have to plan your layout carefully. Will you have a serving hatch? An open-plan front? Seating inside or just outside?
Every inch counts, so you’ll need to think smart when it comes to the layout. Foldable counters, vertical storage, and multi-functional furniture can help you make the most of your shipping container café or restaurant without it feeling too cramped.
Power, water & ventilation for your shipping container café
A container coffee shop needs electricity for appliances, running water for hygiene, and good ventilation if you’re planning on cooking on-site.
If you’re able to connect to mains utilities, that’s great. If not, you’ll need generators, solar panels, and water tanks to keep things running smoothly.
At Gap Containers, we can take care of all the essentials, from electrical hookups and plumbing to ventilation systems, ensuring your shipping container café is fully equipped and ready for business.
Meeting regulations
Like any food business, your shipping container café will need to comply with food safety, fire regulations, and local planning laws. Make sure you check the requirements in your area before you start converting.
Is a shipping container restaurant right for you?
A café in a shipping container is an exciting, cost-effective way to launch a food business with flexibility and style.
Whether you’re brewing artisan coffee, serving up gourmet burgers, or dishing out street food, a shipping container restaurant gives you the creative freedom to build something truly unique.
Thinking of making it happen? Check out our container restaurant page and let’s get started!
As a UK-leading specialist, Gap Containers has over 30 years of experience in innovative container conversions. We understand what it takes to design and create your perfect shipping container restaurant, bringing your dreams to life!
Whatever you have in mind, let us know your requirements and budget and our engineers will get to work, modifying our transportation containers to meet your needs.
If you have any questions about our shipping containers cafes or restaurants, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can give us a call on 0870 240 9405 or send us a message via our online contact form for a swift response from a helpful member of our team.
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