Shipping container restaurants and cafes are quickly gaining popularity across the UAE, and for good reason. These innovative establishments offer entrepreneurs an affordable and versatile way to create unique dining experiences. Whether you’re planning a cosy container cafe or a full-scale mobile restaurant, shipping containers offer convenience and durability.
However, before setting up a shipping container restaurant in the UAE, it is important to understand the basics of the process and prepare a comprehensive design and business plan.
Why use shipping containers in your restaurant?
Cost-effectiveness: One of the most pressing reasons for choosing shipping container restaurants is their cost-effectiveness. Unlike traditional building materials, steel containers are extremely durable and require little maintenance, lasting for decades.
Sustainability: Shipping containers as mobile restaurants are an environmentally friendly option in line with the sustainable development of the UAE. They are easy to move, so there is no need for new building materials when changing locations.
Flexibility: Mobile restaurants come in a variety of sizes, offering flexibility in the design of your container restaurant or container cafe. You can create spaces from compact cafes to full-service restaurants with kitchens, bars, dining areas and even outdoor seating.
Popular Types and Styles of Shipping Container Restaurants
Food truck container restaurants: These mobile restaurants resemble food trucks and have limited seating and basic kitchen equipment. They are designed to be easily moved, so they are perfect for events, fairs or farmers markets. Due to limited cuisine options, food truck containers often focus on specific cuisines.
Shipping Unit Restaurants: For a more permanent dining experience, consider food container restaurants. They are larger than food truck-style containers and have plenty of seating and a fully equipped kitchen. They are an excellent choice for those looking to open a full-service restaurant and avoid the expense of traditional construction.
Container Cafe: Cafe Style Container restaurants offer outdoor patio options, capitalizing on trends like outdoor dining. They usually have counter-style service that allows for quick cooking while maintaining excellent customer service.
Advantages of starting container restaurants
Shipping container restaurants are perfect for the UAE due to their compact size, making them suitable for urban environments. They don’t require a lot of space or resources to build, which is especially helpful because of state zoning regulations that limit large construction projects. In addition, the size and shape of mobile restaurants make them ideal for creating inviting outdoor dining spaces that enhance the overall customer experience.
Advantages of setting up cafes in shipping containers
Container Cafes in shipping containers are gaining popularity in the UAE, especially among mobile cafes that move from one place to another. The small size of shipping containers makes them a practical choice for urban environments where space is limited but demand for coffee and other beverages is high.
Designing a shipping container restaurant in UAE
Creating an innovative and functional container restaurant or cafe in the UAE requires careful planning and design. Let’s help you get started.
Step 1: Start designing
Start by defining the design aesthetic and mood you want to create. Think about the identity and theme of your restaurant and choose colors that match your concept. Before starting to build, make sure you have all the necessary permits from local authorities and secure a power source if it is not readily available in your chosen location.
Step 2: Decoration of a mobile restaurant
Create an efficient flow that allows easy access between living areas, kitchen, bathroom and other important spaces. Make sure there is plenty of natural light by installing casement windows or sliding doors for better accessibility. Carefully consider the placement of furniture, lighting and appliances. Don’t forget to install outdoor signs with lights for nighttime visibility.
Step 3: Create an outdoor area
The outdoor space can also serve as additional seating or as a venue for special events. In warmer climates, outdoor heaters can extend the use of this area during cooler evenings and cooler months, but be sure to follow local noise regulations.
Step 4: Adding technology to container restaurant
Integrate technology into your restaurant or cafe to improve customer experience and operational efficiency. Consider offering payment systems such as digital wallets or contactless payments to reduce queues during peak hours. Offering free Wi-Fi can attract customers who want to work or socialize while enjoying your offerings, which can increase their spending.
The container restaurant specialists in UAE
Designing a shipping container restaurant or cafe in the UAE is an exciting venture that allows you to create a unique and cost-effective dining experience. Fabbox combines excellent craftsmanship with quality materials to create durable and cost-effective containers. All our mobile restaurants comply with all applicable health and safety standards and laws. Fabbox’s customization capabilities have been globally praised for their extreme perfection after serving many consumers.