Running a restaurant means managing space constantly. Dry storage in the basement is full. The walk-in is at capacity. Seasonal items, holiday decor, surplus equipment, paper supplies — these compete for space with active inventory. Forward Storage gives restaurant operators an off-site overflow option that’s flexible, affordable, and accessible enough to actually use.
What restaurants store off-site
- Seasonal decor and tablesettings (Christmas, holidays, weddings)
- Paper goods backstock (napkins, takeout containers, marketing materials)
- Surplus dining furniture (extra tables, chairs from past events or capacity changes)
- Catering equipment (banquet rolling carts, chafing dishes, serving pieces)
- Off-season patio furniture (winter storage for summer items)
- Beverage program backstock (sealed wine, packaged beverages — not refrigerated items)
- Smallwares overflow (extra plates, glassware, flatware)
- Marketing materials (signage, promotional items, menu prototypes)
- Old equipment in transition (smaller pieces between equipment cycles)
What you CANNOT store
- Perishable food (refrigerated, frozen, fresh produce)
- Open food packaging (attracts pests)
- Bulk dry goods in non-sealed containers (pest risk)
For perishable storage, you need commercial cold storage facilities. Forward Storage is for non-perishable backstock and equipment only.
Sizing for restaurant storage
| Restaurant type | Typical unit |
|---|---|
| Small cafe (under 50 seats) | 5×10 to 10×10 |
| Mid-size full-service (50-150 seats) | 10×10 to 10×15 |
| Large restaurant or event venue | 10×15 to 10×25 |
| Catering company | 10×20+ depending on event volume |
Climate-controlled or standard?
For restaurant storage:
Climate-controlled for:
- Sealed wine and packaged beverages (consistent temperature matters for some)
- Paper goods (humidity damage)
- Some specialty equipment with electronic components
- Items with leather or fabric (uniforms, table linens not stored elsewhere)
Standard is fine for:
- Most metal equipment
- Plasticware
- Sealed plastic-stored items
- Outdoor furniture during off-season
For most restaurants, a mix works: 10×10 climate for sensitive items + 10×15 standard for equipment overflow.
Catering and event-driven restaurants
Caterers and event-driven restaurants have particularly variable storage needs:
- Peak season buildup — Q4 holiday catering inventory
- Off-season trough — equipment idle for months
- Mobile catering trucks — need garage-equivalent storage for the vehicle in off-hours
Month-to-month leases (Forward Storage’s default) accommodate this variability without long-term commitment.
Access patterns
Restaurants typically access storage 1-2 times per week, often for:
- Weekly menu rotation items
- Seasonal swap-ins (Christmas decor in November, back to spring in January)
- Equipment retrieval for events
- Paper goods restocking
24/7 access at select facilities matters for early-morning prep cycles. Check facility hours when reserving.
Forward Storage’s restaurant-friendly policies
- Month-to-month — scale with season
- Climate-controlled for sensitive items
- Standard storage for general equipment overflow
- Drive-up access for furniture and large equipment
- 24/7 access at select facilities
- 50% off first 2 months for new customers
- Direct property manager for coordination
Frequently asked questions
Can I store walk-in equipment between restaurant locations?
Yes — equipment in transition between buildouts is a common use. Time-bounded (typically 1-3 months) and works well.
What about Mom’s recipe collection or sentimental items?
Climate-controlled for paper documents and recipes that have value.
Can I work from a storage unit (prep, repackaging)?
No — food prep in storage units is prohibited (food safety regulations).
How much does restaurant storage cost?
5×10 standard: $50-90/mo. 10×10 climate: $115-165/mo. 10×15 climate: $160-220/mo. 50% off first 2 months for new customers.
Can I coordinate with my regional food distributor?
Most distributors will deliver to a storage unit if you arrange it. Discuss with your distributor.
Ready to set up?
Find your nearest Forward Storage location → or call 888-684-4933.
