The PatioBox was featured In Dining Out Magazine!
PatioBox Offers Sturdy Solution for Snow
By Amy Antonation -10/15/2020
It’s the question on everyone’s mind right now. Not, “Who are you voting for?” (we’re real tired, man, and that conversation is exhausting whether you’re talking to like-minded folks or not), but, “What am I supposed to do once it snows?” A close second is, “Is there even time left to do anything?”
RoxBox, a Denver manufacturing company that’s been turning shipping containers into offices, tiny homes, restaurant kitchens, and bars for a couple of years now, is hoping the answers are, “Call us!” and “Absolutely!” It’s throwing its hat into the (increasingly crowded) outdoor winter dining ring with PatioBox, a line of shipping containers modified to serve as semi-permanent enclosed patios this winter and for seasons to come.
ROXBOX CEO Anthony Halsch notes the concept was designed with Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment guidelines in mind. The custom container patio line comprises four models:
- Small: a single 20-foot, double-door shipping container (entrances are on both ends of the structure) that is 160 square feet
- Medium: a single 40-foot container with 320 square feet and a single entrance on one end
- Large: two 40-foot containers with a single entrance, a 10-foot cutout for light and ventilation, and 640 square feet
- XL: two 40-foot, double-door containers, three cutouts (with tarps), and 640 square feet
All models come wired for electricity and with lights and radiant heaters (so your guests get a “homey industrial” vibe instead of a “shootout down at the docks” vibe). Upgrades include additional cutouts (windows or doors) and heaters, sound baffles, flooring, exterior lights, speakers, and roll-up or garage doors.
For restaurants and bars already strapped for cash, base purchase prices ranging from $8,500 to $35,000 may seem like the proverbial last straw, but Gonzalez points to the long-term development potential of the PatioBox. A rooftop deck can be added to take advantage of warmer weather, and with some structural reinforcement, containers can even be stacked. And because they can be loaded onto a tow or trailer truck, they’re technically (if not obviously) mobile and can be transported to offsite events like music or beer festivals—if and when they return. They’re also considered a depreciating asset for tax purposes.
Interested parties that aren’t yet ready to shell out the full purchase price can opt for six- or twelve-month rentals. Six-month rates will run you $1,050 to $4,400 per month; if you’re willing to commit to a full year lease, you’ll spend $750 to $3,400 per month. RoxBox is also considering a plan to offer the first month of rental free, and financing is available for buyers. You can find detailed pricing info on the company’s Facebook page.
Gonzalez acknowledges permitting differs from city to city, but says the municipalities RoxBox has worked with seem anxious to get the structures permitted before cold weather sets in. He emphasizes to local governments that PatioBox is mobile and not a permanent structure; he describes it as a “metal tent” and leans in hard on the fact it’s a solution that will help buoy local businesses through the winter.
Currently, RoxBox is working on installing its first PatioBox at Spirit Hound Distillers in Lyons. Head distiller Craig Engelhorn confirms the town has been extremely receptive. He notes it’s been only about a week from first hearing about the PatioBox to a meeting with Lyons’ fire marshal and building inspector. “This isn’t honestly what I want to spend our money on,” says Engelhorn, “[but] it will more than double the number of tables and we can continue to support our bar staff. The town and Renaldo have been working together….Lyons has been great to work with.”
RoxBox is also in the process of meeting with the Denver officials to get a pre-approval stamp. And with just a two- to three-week turnaround to build and install the PatioBox (dependent, of course, on whether you’ve made friends with your fire marshal recently), you still have time to get one set up before the snow flies.
All About Our Shipping Container Kitchens - And Why You Need One
RoxBox Shipping Container Kitchens
RoxBox shipping container kitchens are purpose-built for take-away, drive-through, and delivery service. RoxBox purpose-built modular container manufacturing allows entrepreneurs and established businesses in the food and beverage industry to design exactly what they need for their business to be successful.
For anyone in the foodservice and restaurant industry, the kitchen is the heart of the business. You need a kitchen space that’s functional and easy-to-use, as well as ready for service, aesthetically pleasing, and built to your needs. With our commercial and commissary kitchens, you’ll get all of this and more.
They are fully customizable so you can design the perfect commercial kitchen, commissary kitchen, ghost kitchen, dark kitchen, virtual restaurant, or cloud kitchen. Container kitchens allow new businesses to get to market faster and established businesses to open new locations for a fraction of the cost of a traditional build-out.
Our shipping container kitchens are purpose-built to order and take into account our clients’ requirements, specifications, and preferences. We want them to succeed in their business and keep their guests satisfied and returning. So how do we do this, and how can you get started? Read on for more!
Features, applications, and modifications
At RoxBox Containers, our shipping container kitchens come with a variety of features, applications, and modifications designed to fit your specific needs. With our commercial kitchens, you’ll have applications for beverage and warm service, drive-through, full-service restaurants, and concessions. You’ll also have access to turnkey appliances and more land availability, given the small footprint of the kitchen.
Utility and functionality
Our shipping container kitchens are purpose built with the exact utility and functionality your kitchen requires. Our kitchens are sprayed with closed cell spray foam insulation, equipped with electric heaters, water storage, commercial lighting, electrical and plumbing, and as well as custom upgrades. Our containers are also built to local and state regulations and health codes, and they’re also easily built for ADA compliance. Our purpose built design allows you can choose the energy source you’d like to use, whether it’s on generator, grid, or clean energy solar.
When you build with us, you’ll also get a container that’s weatherproof and built to prevent theft and vandalism. Ready to deploy at just a moment’s notice, our commercial kitchens can serve hundreds of people at a time and can be easily upgraded in the future.
A sleek, pleasing aesthetic
When you build a customized commercial kitchen with us, you’re not just getting functionality. You’re also getting a state-of-the-art, sleek unit that adds to the ambiance and experience of your guests. The exterior can look like a container or regular building, with metal framing throughout, and includes stainless steel wall coverings, exterior paint, and even sign mounts for easy branding
Why you need a shipping container Kitchen
So why do you need a shipping container kitchen, and why choose us? Our commercial kitchens are crafted with purpose-built design and are secure, durable, and mobile. With one of our kitchens, you’ll have a sleek, modern look that grabs attention and gets people talking – and you can take it anywhere. Our kitchens are also super efficient for setup or take-down, allowing you to be able to set up shop in just minutes.
Not only will you have a functional, easy-to-use commercial kitchen, but you’ll also provide a memorable experience for your customers that will keep them coming back. Additionally, shipping containers are an affordable option that will yield a great return for your business and are highly adaptable to a wide variety of uses. No matter what your needs, we will be able to meet and exceed your expectations.
The RoxBox Process
At RoxBox Containers, our top priority is getting to know you, who your customers are, and what needs you have. That’s why as we start the process of developing your customized kitchen, we’ll spend time getting to know you and your client base so we can deliver the product of your dreams.
We have a 4 phase approach where we’ll work closely with you so that your vision and ideas come to life. But it doesn’t stop there, throughout the build process you’ll be able to follow along through our interactive project management software. This way, you can monitor progress and communicate easily during the entire project timeline, which usually averages two months.
Start building today
At RoxBox Containers, we have sound knowledge of building regulations and a passion for bringing our clients’ dreams to life. You can be assured that we will provide expert guidance throughout the process and will take into account all your specifications and requirements.
Ready to get started on building your commercial kitchen? Contact us today for a quote for your new customized unit.
Can Shipping Container Clinics Be The Solution To U.S Coronavirus Vaccine Distribution?
Is help on the way?
World health officials are increasingly optimistic that a usable vaccine is near to fight the novel coronavirus. Researchers linked to the Center for Global Development estimate with an 85% probability that a vaccine will be ready by 2021. According to the World Health Organization 8 vaccine candidates in progress are near to achieving the final stage of testing, which will give the global economy a much-needed boost. While this news is some of the most positive we have seen in months regarding the coronavirus, the news does not come without major manufacturing challenges and issues of scale. Governments across the world are concentrated on the historic task of getting vaccines to their people effectively and quickly.
U.S Vaccine Distribution Scale
The U.S is currently planning the manufacture and delivery of more than 300 million safe and efficient vaccines. The two federal agencies tasked are the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Defense (DoD). Their distribution strategy is called Operation Warp Speed. The goal of Operation warp speed is to
“produce and deliver 300 million doses of safe and effective vaccines with the initial doses available by January 2021, as part of a broader strategy to accelerate the development, manufacturing, and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics (collectively known as countermeasures).”
HHS.gov
The supply, production, and distribution of the vaccine is an intra-governmental endeavor. According to recent news, distribution is one area where the project is falling behind. In a letter to governors, the Centers for Disease Controls director Dr. Robert Redfield explained distribution centers need to be up running by the first of November. With the tremendous amount of work that needs to be done, shipping container clinics are proving to be a viable solution and may help expedite the process of setting up the distribution centers.
Benefits of Shipping Container Vaccine Clinics
Storied History
There is a long global history with the use of shipping containers in; disasters, outbreaks, low patient density, severe climates, and conflict zones. Hospitals and doctors’ offices can focus on what they do best. Shipping container vaccine clinics reduce the traffic into the central facility and help maintain its space and employees from being overwhelmed.
Constructibility
To date, shipping containers are used as the primary mode of transport in global commerce because they are portable, secure, and structurally strong enough to be stacked high on top of each other. They can also be manufactured quicker than other building methods. The lean manufacturing factory-built approach provides an efficient assembly line process within a controlled environment, which can provide greater quality in a shorter time.
Shipping Container Supply
The supply of shipping containers is a valuable building asset, more than 19,000 shipping containers enter the U.S every day. The domestic stock of containers allows for container vaccine clinics to be manufactured locally with a limited need for long-distance shipping.
Reuse & Repurpose
Shipping container clinics and shipping container hospitals can be long-term solutions for future pandemics, natural disaster response, or community-wide requirements. When the vaccine distribution is complete the containers can be repurposed into; triage rooms, exam rooms, infusion rooms, treatment rooms, testing facilities, laboratories, patient rooms, quarantine rooms, isolation rooms, or surge space for non-critical care. If the containers are not repurposed they can be used for U.S medical stock for the next 40+ years. If another pandemic happens the containers can be brought out of stock and fitted with current medical technology.
Design
The shipping container clinic modular design accommodates mobile site arrangements depending on population requirements. Shipping container vaccine clinics are designed to be hospital-grade; fitted with climate control, air quality, storage, electrical wiring, plumbing, doors, security, and furnishings.
Sustainability
Shipping container clinics can be designed with LEED green building concepts specifically for the healthcare field. Clean energy power can be generated through containerized deployable solar energy which can save money compared to diesel generators, while not releasing C02 emissions. HVAC can be run off of solar panels on the roof of the container hospital, which is one of the largest energy needs in buildings. RoxBox can provide solar-powered refrigeration and/or freezer containers to keep vaccines at the necessary temperature – allowing for remote vaccine distribution hubs.
The RoxBox Promise
RoxBox has teamed up with RK Mission Critical, TreanorHL, Martin/Martin Inc, and Cator Ruma & Associates to build Offsite-Manufactured Shipping Container Healthcare Facilities out of shipping containers. This multi-organizational endeavor extends assistance in building the infrastructure required to combat the COVID-19 Pandemic. Our crisis management team has specialized knowledge in the container construction and modular construction industry and we are willing to allocate our many resources to assist in this crisis!
