The bright red and blue shipping containers signal a promising future and a unique concept that looks to be catching on in restaurant design.

Case Study

Uptown Commons Development

New Delelopment
Northside Long Beach

The bright red and blue shipping containers signal a promising future and a unique concept that looks to be catching on in restaurant design.

New Life in Long Beach

Uptown Commons is the newest development shaking things up on the northside of Long Beach. The space has seen prominent success following the grand opening of Oi Asian Fusion and Mainchick Hot Chicken over the Labor Day weekend, which brought in a crowd despite the scorching heat wave.

The vibrant shipping containers provided a creative structure for the two expanding fast-casual food chains. Following suit is popular seafood joint Portside Fish Co and Chino-based ramen bar Shomi Noods, located just across the way.

Pinhero Construction was awarded the projects at the end of 2019, where they began construction for the four total developments for client Frontier Real Estate Investments.

Oi Asian Fusion and Mainchick Hot Chicken

Construction began in early 2020 with a scope of work to include tenant improvements to the existing building including the addition of partitions, interior doors and hardware, and electrical and communications install.

The two projects, comprised of similar materials, added their own flare to the individual spaces. The entry way in Oi Asian Fusion is characterized by a large wall of black Subway Rittenhouse ceramic tile with a glossy finish. Both tenants have stainless steel wall flashing in the kitchens and recessed lights hanging above the customer area.

Mainchick Hot Chicken presents a classic Center Match Blonde Birch wood ceiling with a matte wood finish. Neon signs light up the interior of the Nashville style hot chicken joint, famous for it’s spice levels and massive tenders.

restaurant construction comapny california

Portside Fish Co and Shomi Noods

Just a few hundred feet away can guests find another pair of expanding restaurants. OC-based Portside Fish Co. and Chino-based Shomi Noods. This completes the second location for the fish-focused concept, with their flagship in Irvine. Shomi Noods will capitalize on success from their debut in Cravings by 99 Ranch Market, with the addition of this second shop.

Pinhero constructed the two venues similar in feel and style, spotlighting an exposed ceiling which has become popular among food halls and large shops. Light pours in from the custom mirror and tempered glass framing and both restaurants offer indoor seating areas.

The cashier and dining area of Portside Fish Co. feature a glossy luminescent quartz tile, complimenting the bottom half cedar board wood paneling.
Shomi Noods has stainless steel wall flashing in the kitchen area, allowing guests to see their food being prepared with an open-style kitchen. Accented by Japanese Maple wood, the ramen bar has a quaint and quite feel to it.

Pinhero partnered with Bickel Group Architecture and over 20 subcontractors to complete construction for various elements of the project, including electrical, plumbing, and roofing.

The Challenge

Building restaurants inside of shipping containers might be difficult for anyone, but add a global pandemic on top of that and Pinhero faced a much bigger challenge. The general contractor navigated the tight spaces while maintain strict PPE requirements and rotating specific designated work stations to keep employees distanced.

The patio proved to be a saving grace, prescient in design given COVID-19. Accented by beautifully painted custom murals, the spacious seating area is surrounded by trees, providing not only shade but space for customers to enjoy a meal from one of the four spots.

outdoor patio

The Results

All construction for the large development was officially completed late September.

interior detail

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