Why Storage Containers Are Great Alternatives for Pop-Up Bars and Restaurants

Written by Susan Nalevac | July 25, 2022

The pop-up bar has recently gained popularity in the food and beverage industry. Typically, these temporary bars pop up in existing buildings, but bar owners often use storage containers as alternatives for their pop-up bars—but why?

We’ll answer that question and more as we go through all the benefits of storage containers and pop-up bars, from their affordability to their unique atmospheres!

In This Article:

• Mobility
• Affordability
• Customizable
• Unique
• Social Media Friendly
• Simple Setup
• Easy Maintenance
• Environmentally Friendly
• Other Ways Storage Containers Are Used In The Food Service Industry

Mobility

What sets the storage container apart from other options for pop-up bars—like renting an existing structure—is that it’s mobile. Containers are easy to move, so you can choose where you want your pop-up bar to be instead of being limited to what buildings are available to rent.

Don’t settle for an average location because it’s what’s available—opt for the shipping container and choose the best spot for your pop-up bar! Plus, if the site doesn’t work out, you can pick it up and move the pop-up bar somewhere else with little effort!

Affordability

The appeal of a pop-up bar is that it can turn an impressive profit in a short amount of time—if expenses are limited. Renting out an existing building for a couple of days or weeks can get expensive, especially if you want to do business in a more popular and populated area.

On the other hand, a storage container is very affordable with inexpensive options since you can rent them or buy used containers. Also, since containers are so compact, they require less maintenance, so you don’t have to use as much staff and can cut down on labor costs.

Customizable

For a pop-up bar to be successful, it must stand out from all the other bars and draw interest. So pop-up bar owners need to make an impression, and that’s no problem with a container because they’re so easy to customize!

Shipping containers are simple steel boxes, but that simplicity allows for maximum personalization. Add windows, doors, an outdoor awning, or even a sign on the roof without breaking a sweat. The outer walls are practically like a blank canvas for logos, posters, and any other art to draw the eye of anyone passing by!

Unique

As we said, pop-up bars have to offer a unique appeal from other bars, and a storage container is an excellent way to stand out! Wouldn’t you be intrigued if you walked by on the sidewalk and saw a new bar run out of a shipping container?

A shipping container instantly distinguishes a pop-up bar from practically any other restaurant a potential customer has visited. They’re more likely to check it out and tell their friends about your bar just because of the container.

Social Media Friendly

Some will tell you that the success of a pop-up bar revolves around the buzz it can create, especially on social media. Pop-up bars don’t typically have substantial marketing budgets, so word-of-mouth is crucial.

Container bars lend themselves to social media because they’re so different that people can’t help but take a picture and show their friends. Encourage your customers to use your pop-up bar’s hashtag, and you’ll be surprised at how fast the buzz for your bar can spread online!

Simple Setup

Setting up and tearing down a pop-up bar in an existing building can be time-consuming and complex as you work to get the location into shape. Containers are so straightforward, though, that setup in many instances is as simple as dropping it at the site, moving in the equipment, and you’re ready to serve!

At the end of the day or your pop-up bar’s stay, closing shop is as simple as bringing everything inside the container and moving it out. Thanks to a container, you can worry about one less thing for your pop-up bar!

Easy Maintenance

Cleanliness is paramount to a successful pop-up bar, attracting customers and ensuring the safe consumption of food and drink. With a container bar, maintenance and hygiene are easy since they’re so compact and sturdy. Imagine, no infestations or pests to worry about, which is potentially a problem if you rented an older, existing structure.

Containers are designed to keep water and bugs out, so after an initial inspection, you can rest assured yours will do its job. Ultimately, when it’s time to clean up and lock up, it’s as simple as bringing everything inside the container and locking the doors!

Environmentally Friendly

Instead of using new construction materials to build or renovate a new pop-up bar, use shipping containers as an eco-friendly option. It saves on construction materials and puts an existing container to use—the epitome of sustainability!

Other Ways Storage Containers Are Used in the Food Industry

Storage containers aren’t just for pop-up bars, however. There are many ways that the food industry is putting this simple steel box to use to help provide better food and service to its patrons.

Outdoor Bar

Many restaurants have outdoor seating but not an outdoor bar. Sometimes, it’s because they don’t have the space, or building a brand-new outdoor structure would be too expensive. That’s where the shipping container can help!

The benefits of a pop-up bar also relate to an outdoor bar for restaurants. Plus, it gives customers another reason to gather and stay and makes it easier on your staff. It’s a win for both you and your patrons!

Additional Seating

During the pandemic, restaurants were constrained by indoor dining restrictions, especially if they didn’t have outdoor seating. Some restaurants added temporary indoor seating in remodeled storage containers with tables, chairs, and windows.

Even though indoor dining restrictions have been lifted, many places have kept their outdoor container seating because of how convenient and beloved they are! If you want to add more seating to your restaurant, one of the easiest and most unique ways is with a shipping container.

Outdoor Kitchen

Conclusion

As you can see, there are plenty of reasons why storage containers make for such practical alternatives for pop-up bars. So if you’re considering opening a pop-up bar, we have plenty of shipping containers for sale in Chicago, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Texas, and many other locations!

From finding a location to mobility and affordability, a shipping container will make your job as a pop-up bar owner much easier!