Sushi Box: A Fishy Shipping Container Food Cart Opens in Austin

Happen to be in Austin and craving sushi for lunch? Head to the corner of 2nd and Congress in downtown, order yourself a couple rolls or a salad and admire the creative repurposing of a 20' <a href="http://inhabitat.com/muvbox-fast-food-shipping-container-restaurant/" target="_blank">shipping container into a food cart</a>. Mark Meyer and Austin-based <a href="http://designstudiomodern.typepad.com/blog/sushibox/" target="_blank">designSTUDIOmodern</a>, who also built eco cafe, <a href="http://laboitecafe.com/" target="_blank">La Boite</a>, are responsible for the container conversion into a chic little sushi house called <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sushi-Box-Austin/143310772393037#!/pages/Sushi-Box-Austin/143310772393037?v=info" target="_blank">SushiBOX</a>.

Long time sushi chef, Ben Crockett, will be dishing out "fresh, fast and flavorful rolls, nigiri and salads" in downtown Austin to the crowds of business professionals and hipsters.

The mini restaurant, built onto a travel trailer chassis, has the capabilities to be moved, but will likely keep its prime downtown location.

Patrons can grab and go or enjoy the outdoor seating built around the container.

The 20' container features three sides that fold up to create awnings for patrons to sit under.

Waterjet cut tabs serve as the hinge points for gas springs that raise the flap doors.

The box was insulated with bio-based spray foam insulation.

Then the interior was sheathed out with a cleanable surface and an extra man door was installed for the chef.

Here at designSTUDIOmodern's build lot, a crane arrives to haul the container away to get get its chassis installed.

The 20' container is easily lifted onto the back of a flatbed truck for transport.

Upon its return, the box is now a portable food cart and the exterior is painted with white and the interior with red.

The SushiBOX logo is added to the corrugated exterior.

Details like waterjet cut fish add a nice finish to the food cart's door handles.

The chef's viewpoint of the restaurant looking out through the windows and doors. You can find SushiBOX at the corner of 2nd and Congress in downtown Austin.