“Expanding into high-traffic locations such as malls is usually a lengthy process. To meet the high demand in Germany, we are relying on our partnership with ROKA and innovative solutions.”
Jörg Gilcher, Five Guys' Germany Country Manager, on the burger chain's first pop-up store
Five Guys Pop-Up Store: Burger Chain in a Container
Rapid expansion without a construction site: Mobile container solution for Five Guys Germany
ROKA Werk GmbH built the first pop-up store for Five Guys Germany in the form of a mobile container unit. The goal was to create a fully functional restaurant location that could be set up quickly and offered maximum flexibility in terms of location selection. The first deployment took place at the Zweibrücken Fashion Outlet, where a fully equipped burger location was set up in a very short time—without a traditional construction phase and with minimal disruption to the existing infrastructure.
The challenge: Rapid market entry amid high demand
For restaurant chains, expanding into high-traffic locations such as shopping centers often involves lengthy planning and construction periods. At the same time, there is a strong need to open new locations on short notice.
The solution: a modular pop-up store that:
- can be installed quickly
- does not require permanent structural attachment
- can be moved flexibly
A fully-fledged restaurant in a shipping container
ROKA developed a three-part container system with a distinctive shipping container design that meets Five Guys' requirements both visually and functionally.
Key Facts:
- Approx. 45 m² of production and retail space
- an additional 30 m² of refrigeration and preparation space
- Fully equipped kitchen, including original Five Guys equipment
- automatic fire suppression systems and full air conditioning
- Integrated beverage system (Coca-Cola Freestyle)
The interior was designed in the typical Five Guys style—with an open kitchen where food is prepared in full view, ensuring transparency and a distinctive brand experience.
Implementation: Plug & Play in just a few days
It took just eight months from the initial contact to completion. The on-site installation was completed in just four days.
The prefabricated modules were delivered, assembled, and handed over fully operational—a key advantage over traditional construction projects.
The result: maximum flexibility and a strong brand presence
With the container solution, Five Guys gains a scalable and flexible way to expand:
- Quick store openings without lengthy construction periods
- creative use of outdoor spaces and temporary locations
- High visibility thanks to a striking design
- A full-service restaurant in a compact space
At the same time, venue operators benefit from a proven restaurant concept that attracts customers.
Conclusion: Mobile Food Service as a Strategic Expansion Model
The project demonstrates how mobile container solutions can be used to quickly and efficiently tap into new markets. For brands like Five Guys, this offers a genuine alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar store construction—one that is flexible, scalable, and cost-effective.
Our container solutions for the food service industry
ROKA FOOD CONTAINERS & MODULAR CONSTRUCTION
ROKA Sales Containers
ROKA’s food service containers are culinary hotspots and are suitable for countless applications. They can be found as beer garden containers, street food containers in food halls, in hotel gardens, at wineries, or as snack containers in commercial parking lots.
ROKA modular construction
With our QUB® system, we realize modular container restaurants and room solutions that are quickly installed, flexibly relocatable and expandable. You can find all information on our modular construction website.
