You’ve heard all about the innovation and functionality behind shipping container homes. But what about the rising pop-up economy for small businesses? Shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars are all finding success with pop-up concepts.

Shipping containers offer comfort, convenience, and customization. This makes them the perfect vessel for launching a pop-up to serve creative cocktails.

Google search terms for local pop-up food and beverage establishments continue to see a healthy increase. This means now is the perfect time to break into the pop-up scene.  

Read on to learn why the pop-up bar concept is a smart business idea that isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. 

They Appeal to the Experiential Marketing Craze 

So, what is a pop up and why is it such an appealing idea? Pop-ups feature a new concept for launching a small business. Pop-up bars can be permanent structures, or they can change locations.

Opening up in new places creates a sense of urgency for customers. As they want to have an opportunity to visit your bar before you pack up and move location. 

Some pop-ups only come up for the season, like summertime. While others do best with a holiday push. Owners often change the theme of their pop-up with each new opening to help target new audiences.  

This pop-up concept creates an ideal environment for offering entertaining experiences. 78% of Millennials prefer to spend money on experiences rather than tangible items. Customers value experiential marketing efforts and a pop-up restaurant or bar delivers this.

A pop-up bar offers a unique experience that is buzzworthy to its customers. Some bars tie into pop-culture trends or popular themes. This helps to attract different generations and boost business. 

They Set a Unique Mood

Popped up environments offer a different type of ambiance. It’s an installation where you can control all design aspects. This sets a special atmosphere that you can’t get in a brick and mortar space. 

Shipping containers are also easy to customize, both inside and out. You can enhance your bar’s brand with a colorful paint job and design characteristics.  

A pop-up bar also allows you to blend in with the surrounding area. Patrons get to be more in touch with nature and the outdoors. This is especially appealing during the spring and summer months in temperate regions like Houston or Dallas.

You can also enhance your pop-up bar with comfortable seating, string lighting, and an outdoor firepit. These features contribute to the unique environment you’re offering your customers. You can even expand your business by adding more containers to your bar. Check out this interesting story on the Texas Container Bar to learn more.  

Customers also have a more personalized hospitality experience in a pop-up bar.  They are right there with the bartenders or the bar owner. This encourages a more intimate and interactive vibe. 

They Offer a Cost-Effective Business Advantage

Getting into the business of pop-up bars and restaurants is a less expensive venture. Building a new bar or leasing a space takes serious capital. Retail space is becoming more expensive, so you’ll likely need a larger loan.

The cost of setting up a pop-up business is 80% less expensive than a physical location. You also have more flexibility when starting a pop-up bar. You have the option to buy a new or used shipping container

These also feature a much smaller footprint and cost less to run. You’ll likely need fewer employees to operate a pop-up bar.  

Opening a pop-up offers a way to garner unique partnership opportunities. This could be with a local liquor brand or an already existing bar or restaurant. 

Partnering up with an established bar means most of the business details are taken care of. All you need to do is set up a new location with proper permits.  

You can also attract new customers to your original bar or restaurant location. Send the pop-up off to other locations to spread the word of your bar or restaurant. This also attracts media attention and word will soon spread around the state or country.  

They Tie-In with a Creative Social Media Branding Strategy 

People love posting about innovative features in the food and beverage industry. The unique details and experience of a pop-up restaurant or bar are meant to be shared.  

This means your customers will be taking pictures of your pop-up bar. They will post about your bar and its creative cocktails in their social channels. Soon word will spread virally, and you’ll attract new followers and customers.  

Social media can also get used to announce your next pop-up launch. Doing this right will result in a line of people waiting to get into your pop-up bar. You can also work with social media influencers to further spread the word. 

They Let You Try out New Ideas 

What is a pop-up bar if not a smart way to try out new business ideas?  

It gives you an easy and effective way to test out your cocktail menu. You get to experiment with creative themed cocktails and make changes as you go. 

You’ll also get to try out different entertainment options. See how your patrons enjoy trivia, karaoke, and live music. Sell swag to see what branded bar products people prefer to buy. 

A pop-up is a great way to get feedback from customers. It offers a more intimate and personal setting for conducting market research. 

This way, you can find out what works then change it the next time you open shop. You’ll soon become a business expert in the successful launch of a bar. 

Pop-ups offer a great way to break into the competitive new bar scene. This is especially true in cities like Houston, where the competition is high. With success, you can go on to invest in other smart business ideas for shipping containers

Setting Your Pop-Up Bar up for Success 

A pop-up bar is a smart and creative way to break into Houston’s food and beverage industry. It offers a unique experience that will attract new customers and send a viral message.