Shipping Container Restaurants
Durable, and fully customizable—container restaurants and pop up shops are eco-friendly solutions to kickstart your business
What are shipping container restaurants?
Shipping container restaurants are dining establishments built using repurposed or modified shipping containers as the primary structure. Originally designed for transporting goods across oceans, these steel containers are now being transformed into innovative, eco-friendly restaurant spaces. Owners of these restaurants can choose to seat customers indoors or outside. Some businesses choose to keep them as walk-ups only where customers order and pick up their food and need to find a place to sit and eat, like a food truck. Other businesses may want to purchase and connect several shipping containers, creating a larger space where customers can sit inside.
Key Features:
- Mobile & Portable: Can be relocated as needed, ideal for pop-ups or seasonal businesses.
- Customizable: Fully adaptable interiors for kitchens, bars, seating, or takeout counters.
- Eco-Friendly: Reusing containers reduces waste and supports sustainable building practices.
Popular Uses:
- Fast food stands
- Coffee shops or cafés
- Ice cream or dessert bars
- Outdoor food courts or food truck alternatives
- Temporary or semi-permanent eateries at events and festivals
How are shipping container restaurants different than food trucks?
Food trucks have surged in popularity over the past decade, largely thanks to their low startup costs and unmatched mobility. While mobile food service isn’t new (think ice cream trucks), the modern food truck boom began around 2008, fueled by operators who leveraged social media to build loyal followings and promote their brands.
The key difference lies in mobility. Food trucks are fully mobile units, allowing vendors to relocate with ease, serve different areas, and quickly adapt to customer demand. Shipping container restaurants, on the other hand, are stationary. They require a permanent or semi-permanent location, which can offer more stability and room for customization.
Despite their fixed nature, shipping containers offer a unique advantage—they’re modular. This means they can be expanded by connecting multiple units, allowing for more kitchen space, seating, or even multi-level designs—something not possible with a single food truck.
Are Shipping Container Restaurants Moveable?
Yes, shipping container restaurants can be relocated. Built from heavy-duty steel, these containers are designed for long-term use and can withstand repeated transportation. While they aren’t as mobile as food trucks, they can be moved to a new site when needed—as long as the interior fixtures and equipment are properly secured to prevent damage in transit.
Thanks to their standardized ISO dimensions—typically 20 feet or 40 feet in length—planning for relocation or site setup is much easier than with traditional buildings. Their uniform size helps simplify permits, space planning, and site logistics, making them a flexible option for entrepreneurs seeking semi-permanent restaurant spaces.
Collection
Find the Right
ExBox Container
From onsite dumpsters and metal shipping containers to mobile offices and sturdy shelters, ExBox provides reliable solutions tailored for today’s construction challenges. With flexible sizing options and focus on sustainability, our containers are designed to meet the demands of modern construction sites.
- 20ft Containers: Compact and highly adaptable.
- 40ft Containers: More space, same durability.
- 40ft High Cube Containers: Extra height to accommodate larger requirements.
Get a Personalized Quote
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10ft Compact Container
EXB-10COM $1,800.00Add to cart Compact Containers -
10ft High Cube Container
EXB-10HC $2,000.00Add to cart High Cube Containers -
20ft Double Door Container
EXB-20DD $2,800.00Add to cart Standard Containers -
20ft Open Side Container
EXB-20OS $3,200.00Add to cart Standard Containers -
20ft Refrigerated Container
EXB-20REF $10,000.00Add to cart Specialized Containers -
20ft Standard Shipping Container
EXB-20STD $2,500.00Add to cart Standard Containers -
40ft Double Door Container
EXB-40DD $4,800.00Add to cart Standard Containers -
40ft High Cube Container
EXB-40HC $4,500.00Add to cart High Cube Containers -
40ft Insulated Container
EXB-40INS $5,500.00Add to cart Specialized Containers -
40ft Open Top Container
EXB-40OT $5,000.00Add to cart Specialized Containers -
Custom Retail Container
EXB-CUSTRETAIL $8,500.00Add to cart Customized Containers -
Custom Workshop Container
EXB-CUSTWORK $9,000.00Add to cart Customized Containers
Where to buy
Container Restaurants
At ExBox Containers, we provide high-quality shipping containers at some of the lowest prices on the market, because you’re buying directly from the source—no middlemen involved.
Purchasing a 20ft or 40ft container at a low cost is a smart way to cut startup expenses. You can then modify the container later to fit your restaurant’s design and functional requirements.
Please note: ExBox does not offer modification services or custom builds.
Questions About Storage Containers
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What sizes of storage containers are available?
How Does the Delivery Process Work?
What to Expect After Placing Your Order with ExBox Containers
Once your order is placed and payment is confirmed, our driver will reach out within 48 hours to schedule your delivery. Please prepare your site in advance to ensure a smooth drop-off. On delivery day, you and the driver will conduct a joint inspection of the container using the provided inspection form.
Order Confirmation: After completing your purchase and payment, you’ll receive a confirmation email from ExBox containing your invoice and the contact details of your assigned driver.
Delivery Scheduling: Within two days, our driver will contact you to confirm the delivery date and time, answer any questions, and provide important delivery details. We aim to accommodate your schedule as best as possible.
Preparing for Delivery: Please make sure your delivery location meets the necessary requirements outlined in our Delivery Guide. You can also download a helpful checklist to assist your preparations.
On Delivery Day: When the container arrives, you and the driver will inspect it together to verify its condition and note any issues using the Container Inspection Form. This ensures transparency and immediate resolution if needed.
Weather Considerations: Occasionally, weather conditions such as storms or heavy snowfall may cause slight delays. The safety of our drivers is paramount, and we appreciate your understanding should unforeseen circumstances affect delivery timing.
From purchase through delivery, we strive to provide a seamless and positive experience. Your container’s arrival is just around the corner!
What Type of Flooring Is Installed in the Containers?
Marine-Grade Plywood: High-quality marine plywood—usually about 1 1/8 inches (28 mm) thick—is laid across the floor joists. This plywood is specially treated to resist moisture, rot, and pests, helping extend the lifespan of the container. Sheets are generally installed with their grain running perpendicular to the container’s length to maximize strength.
Steel Cross Members: At the base of the floor structure are steel cross members, spaced roughly 12 inches apart and running perpendicular to the container’s length. These provide the primary structural support for the floor.
Wooden Floor Joists: Sitting above the cross members, wooden joists run parallel to the container’s length. They offer additional support and act as the base for the plywood flooring.
Fasteners & Treatments: Plywood sheets are securely fastened to the floor frame using screws or nails. In many containers, the wood is also treated or coated to enhance resistance to moisture, insects, and other environmental hazards.
Material Variations: While marine-grade plywood is standard, flooring materials can vary depending on the container’s manufacturer and intended use. Some containers may feature alternative flooring types such as bamboo or even steel for specialized applications.
The combination of steel support and treated plywood results in a tough, long-lasting floor capable of withstanding the rigors of shipping and storage. However, it’s worth noting that while marine-grade plywood is highly moisture-resistant, it is not completely waterproof.
Divi
Hours
Monday: 11am – 10:00pm
Tuesday: 11am – 10:00pm
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 11am – 10:00pm
Friday: 11am – 10:00pm
S & S: 12pm – 8pm
Contact
(255) 352-6258
Address
1234 Divi St. #1000
San Francisco, CA 33945