4 Ways Pop-Up Containers Are Changing the Food Truck World

Written by Susan Nalevac | February 06, 2023

For years, food trucks were the talk of the food service industry, but now the pop-up container generates more interest from patrons and restaurant owners.

Keep reading to learn the top 4 of the ways pop-up containers have changed the food truck world:

1. Affordability
2. Higher-Quality Structure
3. They Offer More Space
4. Versatility

Affordability

Food trucks have always been considered the affordable alternative to opening a restaurant, and while they certainly cost less than a full-scale restaurant, they’re by no means low cost.



Even a small, used food truck costs $50,000 on average, and this doesn’t include modifications and changes the owner makes to update it for their restaurant. For a brand-new food truck with all the accessories and modifications, a more realistic cost estimate would be closer to six times that amount.

On the other hand, a prefabricated shipping container is a much more economical alternative, as it offers more space and can look practically brand-new at a similar cost to a used food truck. When it comes to overall value, pop-up containers offer a clear advantage.

Higher-Quality Structure

Even the best-made food truck has disadvantages. After all, it’s mobile and resembles more a truck than a real restaurant. By contrast, shipping containers are made of sturdy and durable steel, making them a high-quality structural option for a restaurant.

Containers can withstand extreme conditions and significant abuse from weather and travel, so they can undoubtedly be stable and high-quality spaces for restaurants.

Pro-Tip: Consider a specialty shipping container like an open-side or high cube unit so that fewer modifications are necessary than a standard container.

They Offer More Space

When it comes to space, there’s no comparison between a food truck and a shipping container. In a food truck, having two or more people cooking in close quarters affects mobility, which can, in turn, impact efficiency and productivity.

 A 20’ x 8’ container offers much more space than a standard food truck for workers to cook and move without feeling constricted. With the added space, restaurant owners can include more appliances and cooking equipment to enhance their business and create delicious food.

Versatility

The lack of interior space always limits food trucks. Sure, you can adjust the outside and some parts of the interior, but the changes are largely cosmetic. There’s little room to make the truck your own.

Since a container has more space and a more durable build, it’s much more customizable when it comes to layout and design. Restaurant owners can add their unique touches. For instance, one can install a bar, add fold-up windows, and adjust the kitchen layout.

These are just a few ways that pop-up containers are changing the world of food trucks, but there are many others. If you’re interested in purchasing a container to convert into a pop-up restaurant, get in touch with Container Management, Inc. We have new shipping containers for sale in Houston, TX and many other locations nationwide.

Contact our staff to learn more about our high-quality containers.