Restaurants · Bars · Cafés · Kitchens

Shipping Container Restaurants, built for service

Turn-key container restaurants, bars and cafés — designed, fabricated and delivered across Los Angeles & Southern California. Health-code ready, movable, open in weeks.

20–40ftSingle or multi-container
6–12 wksTypical build time
MovableRelocate or resell
LA + SoCalDelivery & craning

Choose your format

Floor plans by configuration

Every build uses the same code-ready systems — pick the footprint that fits your concept and lot.



Dry storageReach-in coolerPrep · 3-comp sinkCook line + exhaust hoodPOS · service passRestroomOffice / dryService window → deck40ft — Full-service kitchen (~320 sq ft)
Espresso / back barColdPOSPrep · sinkService window20ft — Coffee / café kiosk (~160 sq ft)
40ft kitchenCook line + hoodColdPrep20ft barBack barKegsShared deck seating
Cook line / hood
Cold storage
Prep & wash
Dry storage
Restroom / office
Service window / POS

Budget

What goes into a container restaurant build

The kitchen systems — not the container — drive most of the budget. Here is what each build type includes, so you know what you are pricing before you ask anyone for a number.

Build type What it includes
20ft coffee / café kiosk Espresso counter, service window, under-counter cold, basic electrical
20ft bar / taproom Back bar, taps, ice wells, cold storage, POS
40ft full kitchen Cook line, Type I hood + fire suppression, 3-comp + hand sinks, grease trap, refrigeration, FRP/epoxy
Multi-container venue Kitchen + bar/dining container, shared deck, ADA restroom

Every build is quoted to your menu, finishes and site — we price yours after a short consult. Land, city utility connections and permit fees are separate and handled by your contractor or the city.

Permits & health code

How approvals work

The order that keeps a container restaurant on schedule — we prepare the drawings and support each step.

1

Zoning & site check

Confirm the lot allows food service and a container structure, plus setbacks and parking.

2

Plan check (building)

Engineered drawings for structure, electrical, plumbing and mechanical (hood/HVAC).

3

Health department

Menu-based plan review: sinks, finishes, refrigeration, grease trap and restroom.

4

Fire

Hood suppression, extinguishers, gas shutoff and egress sign-off.

5

Utility connections

Water, sewer and power hookups — or an approved off-grid setup for events.

6

Final inspection

On-site inspections, corrections and your certificate to open.

Equipment checklist

What goes in the build

The systems and gear a health-code container kitchen needs — we spec and install to your menu.

Cooking & ventilation
Type I exhaust hood + make-up air
Ansul-style fire suppression
Range, griddle, fryer or charbroiler
Stainless prep & landing tables
Plumbing
3-compartment + hand + mop sinks
Grease interceptor
Floor drains & water heater
Refrigeration & storage
Walk-in / reach-in / under-counter
Dry & chemical storage
Finishes & systems
FRP or stainless walls, epoxy floor
Insulation + mini-split HVAC
Electrical sub-panel (often 3-phase)
Roll-up service window & counter
ADA access + restroom where required

How it works

From concept to opening day

1

Consult

Menu, equipment, site & budget.

2

Design

Plans, renders & drawings.

3

Permits

Health & building sign-off.

4

Fabricate

Systems & finishes off-site.

5

Deliver

Craned onto your lot.

6

Open

Hookup & final inspection.

FAQ

Container restaurant questions

How much does a shipping container restaurant cost?

It depends on the build: a coffee or café kiosk is a fraction of a full 40ft cook-line kitchen, because the hood, fire suppression, grease trap and refrigeration — not the container — drive most of the cost. Tell us your menu, finishes and site and we quote your exact build.

Do container restaurants pass health and building codes?

Yes. Built correctly they meet health-department and building standards: hoods, fire suppression, hand sinks, grease traps, ADA access and NSF finishes. We engineer to your local jurisdiction.

How long does it take to build?

Most single-container builds take about 6–12 weeks of fabrication, running in parallel with site prep and permitting.

Can it be moved or resold later?

Yes — the steel unit stays a movable asset. Relocate it with your lease, chase events, or resell it instead of leaving a build-out behind.

Can it run off-grid for events?

With fresh and grey water tanks, propane and a generator, a container kitchen can operate at festivals and pop-ups, then hook to city utilities at a permanent site.

Ready to build your container restaurant?

Tell us your concept, menu and site — we’ll design a code-ready build and quote your best price.

Get a Free Quote — (626) 765-9446


Free Quote · No Obligation

Get a price for this container

Tell us where it is going and we will send you a delivered price. We have already filled in the size you were looking at — change it if you need something else.

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