How Mann’s Cans Helped Build Shore Thing

At Mann’s Cans, we take pride in turning shipping containers into strong, functional, and eye-catching structures. One of our most exciting and viral projects is the Shore Thing for River Walk Project, a floating container bar and restaurant that’s now a standout attraction in Pittsburgh, PA.

In partnership with Zero Fossil, we helped bring this unique solar-powered restaurant to life. The project combines creativity, sustainability, and craftsmanship, showing just how far container design can go.

The Vision: A Floating Restaurant on Pittsburgh’s Rivers

The Shore Thing team had a bold idea: to build a floating bar and restaurant made from shipping containers. They wanted something that was modern, energy-efficient, and instantly recognizable.

This vision is perfectly aligned with our mission at Mann’s Cans, creating container spaces that are both functional and visually striking. We knew from the start that this project would push the boundaries of container design and showcase the versatility of one-trip containers.

Partnering with Zero Fossil for Sustainable Energy

To make the concept even more innovative, we teamed up with Zero Fossil, a Pittsburgh-based renewable energy company known for using solar power in creative ways. Together, we built a container restaurant that runs completely on solar energy.

Our teams collaborated to ensure the structure supported Zero Fossil’s solar systems while maintaining safety and style. The result was a solar-powered floating restaurant, designed to highlight sustainability without compromising comfort or performance.

Building the Base: One-Trip Containers and Custom Design

The first step was choosing the right containers. We selected one-trip containers for their clean, strong, and reliable condition. These containers formed the perfect base for the project since they had minimal wear and excellent structural integrity.

Because the restaurant would float, we reinforced the structure with custom steel framing and weatherproof sealing. Our fabrication team carefully installed window and door openings, insulation, and wall reinforcements to handle exposure to water and outdoor conditions.

A Design That Stands Out

Beyond function, the Shore Thing container needed a design that captured attention. We gave it a vibrant blue finish that reflects the fun, coastal-inspired energy of the restaurant’s brand.

Inside, we created a clean and efficient layout to fit everything the team needed, including:

• A full kitchen and serving area

• Storage and refrigeration space

• Seating and open-air areas for guests

• Electrical and ventilation systems compatible with solar energy

  
  

Every inch of space was used with intention to make the container both beautiful and highly practical.

From Land to River: Bringing Shore Thing to Life

Once fabrication was complete, our next challenge was transporting and securing the container on the water. Working with marine specialists, we ensured the container was balanced, anchored, and safe to float on the Pittsburgh rivers.

When Shore Thing launched, its bright blue container caught everyone’s eye. Locals and visitors quickly shared photos on social media, and it didn’t take long for the project to go viral.

Floating near downtown Pittsburgh, it’s now recognized as one of the city’s most creative and sustainable restaurant concepts.

A Model for Sustainable Commercial Design

Shore Thing is proof that container structures can be eco-friendly and innovative at the same time. By combining a repurposed shipping container with Zero Fossil’s solar power system, the project became a true example of sustainable construction done right.

For Mann’s Cans, it represents the perfect balance of strength, creativity, and environmental responsibility, values we bring to every build.

The Bottom Line

The Shore Thing River Walk Project shows what happens when vision and craftsmanship come together. By reimagining what a shipping container could be, Mann’s Cans helped build one of Pittsburgh’s most unique landmarks.

If you’re ready to create your own commercial container project, we can help. Mann’s Cans provides high-quality one-trip containers built to perform and impress.

Call 724-790-5040 today or fill out our online form to request a custom quote. Let’s build something that stands out, just like Shore Thing on the Pittsburgh rivers.