Container Conversions for Catering - MenuBox® Range
Whether you're planning to start a burger van, fish and chip kiosk, or simply a coffee trailer, then you've come to the right place. Containers Direct specialise in producing container conversions for all types of catering businesses, from the simple pop-up hot stand or sandwich van to a gourmet kitchen and bar. Robust, portable and quick to install, shipping containers provide an ideal foundation for catering units where mobility and security are essential. All our catering pod conversion work is carried out in our own workshops, by a team of professional and skilled tradesmen. We've come up with a standard package for mobile catering units, the MenuBox®, available off the peg in five different sizes, including the standard size 20ft container. This keeps the costs down and enables a simple but highly effective structure when buying catering conversions. As an alternative to shipping container restaurant conversions, we also offer a flat pack pop-up container, which can more easily relocated by taking it down.
This is a steel hatch that opens upwards on gas struts. Lockable inside with shoot bolts when the hatches are closed, they provide excellent security once you close up shop for the day.
Made out of steel and lockable from the inside, these shutters come in either manual or electric (fob operated or key operated).
A sloping roof can be added to any container to provide a rain water run off. We usually suggest angling the roof away from main doors and windows however, if required, a sloping roof can also have guttering so the water flows into a drain on site or to the ground.
Sky lights are a great way to bring extra light into your shipping container without taking away wall space. These are perfect for bespoke conversions, or for units where maximum natural light is required. Price for a standard 600mm sq sky light - £375.00 plus VAT.
Vents are the perfect addition to shipping containers if you require extra ventilation or air circulation. These are most commonly found in our Chemical Stores, but are also great for boiler houses and engine rooms. We offer a variety of different sized louvered vents as well as standard shipping vents.
Our vinyl stickers can be made in a variety of lengths and sizes, either as one large image or separate letters. These can be text or image based, and can be applied anywhere on the container. 
If you're using your container as an office, or even as storage for temperature sensitive goods, an air con unit can be fitted to keep your temperatures constant. We would recommend fitting these with ply lining or melamine lining and insulation for the best results.
This flat pack portable pop-up shop features a large upward tilting hatch making it ideal for catering at events, as it easy to transport in its flat pack form and quick and easy to reassemble. Like all our self assembly containers it is fully man portable, making it ideal for locations with restricted accessibility. It features insulated panels and can be joined up to other insulated flat pack containers for extra storage space.
From CFB Boilers
"You've got it right! Would definitely recommend to others, from the initial enquiry through to delivery you provided excellent customer service. The container itself met our requirements perfectly. Many thanks."
From Steph Bowler - Plymouth Community Homes
"Just wanted to pass on our thanks for the recently delivered converted shipping container, its perfect for our nursery packing building, finished off really nicely with great workmanship. Would definitely recommend your company, and will be placing an order for another fairly soon."
From Mike Read - Perfect Plantings
View some of our catering pods:
Standard Features of the MenuBox®
Mobile catering in a box!
Catering conversions typically need a standard fit out which we have perfected over the years and include all the features you need to get you started without breaking the bank. Optional extras are available at an additional cost. The MenuBox® is manufactured from used shipping containers, as these represent the best value for money, while being incredibly strong and offering high levels of security at the same time. A good coat of rubberised marine paint, to the colour of your choice, is used to dramatically improve the external appearance, while wipe-clean melamine lining and vinyl flooring gives a clean and smart interior. We also offer the option of using a new shipping container as the basis for your MenuBox®. See below for our comprehensive list of standard features. Bespoke conversions are always available in addition to the standard MenuBox®.
Electrical installation
CE compliant electrics - plug sockets, strip lights and wall heater installed as standard.
Sink and worktop
Full length worktop counter with double sink and water heater.
Featured products
Each catering unit below has been converted in our own in-house depot. We've made everything from burger vans, sandwich kiosks, shipping container kitchens, pop-up cafes and pizza trailers. Although each conversion project is bespoke, hopefully these models will give you some ideas for mobile catering. Or you may have your own unique specifications, in which case please call our sales and design team.
Request a Quick Quote!
Contact our sales team for your no obligation quote, including delivery!Optional extras
Lifting hatch
This is a steel hatch that opens upwards on gas struts. Lockable inside with shoot bolts when the hatches are closed, they provide excellent security once you close up shop for the day. Roller shutter hatch
Made out of steel and lockable from the inside, these shutters come in either manual or electric (fob operated or key operated).Sloping Roof
A sloping roof can be added to any container to provide a rain water run off. We usually suggest angling the roof away from main doors and windows however, if required, a sloping roof can also have guttering so the water flows into a drain on site or to the ground.Sky lights
Sky lights are a great way to bring extra light into your shipping container without taking away wall space. These are perfect for bespoke conversions, or for units where maximum natural light is required. Price for a standard 600mm sq sky light - £375.00 plus VAT.Vents
Vents are the perfect addition to shipping containers if you require extra ventilation or air circulation. These are most commonly found in our Chemical Stores, but are also great for boiler houses and engine rooms. We offer a variety of different sized louvered vents as well as standard shipping vents.Vinyl Stickers and Decals
Our vinyl stickers can be made in a variety of lengths and sizes, either as one large image or separate letters. These can be text or image based, and can be applied anywhere on the container. Air Con Units
If you're using your container as an office, or even as storage for temperature sensitive goods, an air con unit can be fitted to keep your temperatures constant. We would recommend fitting these with ply lining or melamine lining and insulation for the best results. Canteen packages - examples:
Upgraded flooring
Non-slip Vinyl Floor Tiles
This is a 3mm thick rubber flooring designed to protect floor surfaces and provide additional grip for pedestrian traffic. It also insulates the floor, giving you comfort as well as protection.
This is a 3mm thick rubber flooring designed to protect floor surfaces and provide additional grip for pedestrian traffic. It also insulates the floor, giving you comfort as well as protection.
Durbar flooring Durbar flooring is a steel slip-resistant, ultra hard-wearing flooring. Sometimes known as checker plate, its raised diamond-textured pattern means it offers plenty of grip, particularly if the floor becomes wet.
Flat pack pop-up catering unit
This flat pack portable pop-up shop features a large upward tilting hatch making it ideal for catering at events, as it easy to transport in its flat pack form and quick and easy to reassemble. Like all our self assembly containers it is fully man portable, making it ideal for locations with restricted accessibility. It features insulated panels and can be joined up to other insulated flat pack containers for extra storage space.Testimonials
"We have been using Containers Direct for many years and the quality of the products and service are excellent. Containers Direct are always helpful and can accommodate our requests."From CFB Boilers
"You've got it right! Would definitely recommend to others, from the initial enquiry through to delivery you provided excellent customer service. The container itself met our requirements perfectly. Many thanks."
From Steph Bowler - Plymouth Community Homes
"Just wanted to pass on our thanks for the recently delivered converted shipping container, its perfect for our nursery packing building, finished off really nicely with great workmanship. Would definitely recommend your company, and will be placing an order for another fairly soon."
From Mike Read - Perfect Plantings
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