People in the New Brunswick, NJ area are no strangers to the Cheezen gourmet grilled cheese food truck. The eye-catching vehicle, with its illustrated gooey cheese and the wide-smiled mascot, is hard to miss. And even though the company has created quite a name for itself, owner John Gentile knew that there was more that could be done.
How it all began
“It all started with making dinner for my kids,” says Cheezen owner John Gentile. “And then it hit me! I have fifteen years of food service experience. And I’ve always loved food trucks. I knew I could give people great food. Food that reminds us of when we were kids.”
So in October of 2014 Cheezen began with a small, 10-foot trailer. “Now we have two trucks, a trailer, and a store front in New Brunswick attached to the iconic Olde Queens Tavern,” says Gentile.
“Some days are rough and they can get long,” he says. “But then I see our customers line up for our food, and take pictures of it. And then they do the happy food dance because they feel like a kid again.”
Brand recognition
Gentile noticed more and more people snapping pics of the grilled cheeses and he knew he needed to jump on that to push his brand even further. He realized the need to “make a presence in the market,” as he puts it. Custom printed food tissue made sense as an economical way to get the company’s name in each and every picture his customers posted on social media.
“We always hear potential customers asking people who just purchased a grilled cheese from us, ‘Hey, where did you get that?’ So with the branded basket liners, there is no question about where to go!”
Standing out
In addition to getting the company name out there, Gentile put the Cheezen logo on the tissue to get a leg up on the competition – of which there is no shortage. “In order to be above the rest,” explains Gentile, “you need to make a presence at events. You can see hundreds of people walking around with our product in a customized package, rather than a generic red and white food tray.”
When asked if he sees the printed tissue having an effect on his business, Gentile responds, “Absolutely! I try to ask all my customers how they heard of us. They’ll tell me that they saw me at this event or that location. I think we have a better presentation of product and they can see that we put more effort into the delivery of what we’re making.”
Interested in putting your company logo on your packaging? Give us a call! Our experienced advisors can be reached at 888-321-2248, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
It’s true, there are a lot of unnecessary official food days on social media. Do we really need a day dedicated to the molasses bar or to turkey neck soup? Probably not. But on September 18 MrTakeOutBags will proudly show lots of love to a food well-deserving of praise and admiration: the cheeseburger. All over the country restaurants are concocting some of the wildest burgers. From bizarre flavor combinations to gargantuan portions, these are a few of the craziest burgers we’ve seen.
Piggy Butter and Jelly at Burgatory
from Burgatory Instagram
With eight locations in and around Pittsburgh, Burgatory is a staple among locals. They boast several drool-inducing temptations, but perhaps the most alluring is the Piggy Butter and Jelly burger. What makes this one so memorable is not only the bacon that’s in the ground beef, and not just the candied bacon on top of the patty. It’s the strangely delicious mix of peanut butter, spicy pepper jelly, American cheese, and pickles.
Quadruple Coronary Bypass Burger at Vortex
For those in the Atlanta area looking for a challenge, head to Vortex in Atlanta for the Quadruple Coronary Bypass Burger. Estimated at 9,600 calories, this staggering beast replaces your everyday buns with four Texas toast patty melts. And that’s just the start of it. 32 ounces of ground sirloin, 28 slices of cheese, 27 strips of bacon, and 12 ounces of mayo later, you’ve got yourself a monster. Served with cheesy bacon French fries in case you’re still hungry.
Pig Beach Burger at Pig Beach
from Pig Beach Instagram
It sounds simple enough: meat, cheese, pickles, and sauce. But at Pig Beach in New York City, it’s the attention to detail that makes this such a notable burger. The pickles are house-made, and the secret sauce is the perfect complement to this cheesy, gooey mess. Available as a single, double, or triple.
Squeeze Burger with Cheese Skirt at Squeeze Inn
Cheese lovers, your prayers have been answered. Finally there is a burger that moves the spotlight from beef to dairy. The famous Squeeze Inn (multiple locations) brings us the Squeeze Burger with Cheese. But it’s not just a slice of cheddar, half-melted on top of a patty. The crispy, melty “cheese skirt” is made by piling shredded cheese on top of and around the burger while it’s on the grill. As decadent as it is photogenic!
The FleurBurger 5000 at Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino
Then there’s the country’s most luxurious, most expensive burger. At Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas, the FleurBurger 5000 will set you back a whopping $5,000. What makes it so pricey? It’s made from Kobe beef, topped with foie gras and truffles, served between a truffle-laced bun, and completed with a side of fries (with truffle sauce) and paired with a vintage wine and two fancy-pants souvenir glasses.
Let us know if we didn’t cover your favorite far-out burger!
If your restaurant is looking for printed packaging or stock items, we can help. Please call our experienced advisors at 888-321-2248, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Leveraging Food Photography & Social Media with Custom Printed Tissue
The food photo: we’ve all seen them parading down our news feeds, making mouths water and stomachs growl. We tend to share these posts because eating is a communal thing, and what bigger community to share with than the world of social media?
A report from Omnicore shows that there are currently 700 million active Instagram accounts, and 400 million active daily users. That’s a whole lot of audience to get in front of.
In addition to selfies and sunsets, pictures of food are among the most popular focal points for users. Need more proof? Instagram’s busiest day is Thanksgiving. And the most popular food photographed is pizza.
Instagram Thanksgiving Posts
Over on Pinterest food is the most popular topic. The online marketing site Rocket Post claims that “While the average social shopper spends an average of $60 when coming from Facebook, she spends $140 when coming from Pinterest.”
The Numbers
It’s no surprise that restaurants, food trucks, bakeries, and delis are using social media to boost brand awareness. Each photo a customer posts is a marketing opportunity. While hashtags and geotagging help, you can’t always rely on the customers to divulge just where that gourmet donut came from.
As a business owner you really want customers to share that info with followers. According to a study conducted by Social Chorus of 400 millennials surveyed, 98% of them said that they are more likely to engage with a post from a friend rather than a brand’s post. Those are the same millennials that will have more buying power than other generations by 2017.
Making a Mark with Custom Printed Food Tissue
That’s what makes custom sandwich wraps and basket liners so significant. Consider a photo of your restaurant’s most popular menu item. Now picture it resting on custom tissue paper that boasts your company’s logo. Sometimes the most successful marketing comes from one happy customer snapping a shot of her favorite meal.
custom food tissue paper
Which custom tissue is right for you? There are four levels available:
Lightweight – Also known as pick-up tissue, it’s often used when grabbing a pastry for a customer. These are somewhat translucent because they’re thinner (roughly 13# basis weight) and, if you hadn’t guessed by the name, rather light. They are the delicate baby of the tissue family. They’re lightly waxed, thinner sheets used for cold, dry foods or to wrap a hot dog.
High Performance – Next up is a heavier weight sheet that clocks in as an 18# basis weight sheet that can handle lots of jobs. They’re great as a tray liner when serving moist, cold or hot and somewhat greasy foods. Or use them with a BioPak or a disposable lunch boxes as a way to spice up the out-of-box experience for your customer.
Ultra Performance – This one is tougher, weighing in at 20# basis weight and has a dry waxed finish on one side. Reach for this one when you want a heavyweight compostable dry waxed sheet that can stand up to even the messiest meatball sub or Philly cheesesteak.
Grease Resistant – The name says it all, and the paper is heavier, at about 20.5# basis weight and treated to be grease resistant, no wax is used. These sheets are intended for wrapping food, like sandwiches or subs with the printed logo facing outward.
If you’re thinking it’s time to up the ante on your brand marketing, consider the power of customized tissue or one of our stock print designs. Or even just a solid color waxed tissue to spice up your culinary creations. If you want to learn more about the various paper weight options, or if you want to chat further about how this style of branding, give us a call at 888-321-2248.
We’ve had the distinct pleasure of working with many growing businesses. We watched them start out, open their doors to the public, and over time become successful and gain notoriety among their community. And we’re grateful for the chance to be involved with the process by providing top-notch food packaging. With our friends over at Ronatta’s Cakery in Orofino, Idaho it was no exception.
The family owned and operated bakery opened in 2009 and had been doing well. But in the spring of 2016 they approached us, and wanted to take their food presentation to the next level.
Adding Color
“The doughnuts used to be in a plain box with a piece of plain parchment paper,” explains the bakery’s Marketing Coordinator Whitney Rales. “Ronatta, the owner, had outgrown that and wanted something bigger. Now we do everything in pink.” Before even going to a logoed box, Rales explains that they started small, with pink and chocolate brown bakery tissue. “People noticed that,” says Rale, “and they liked it.”
Adding a Logo
The next step was to put their logo on their packaging. They began by getting strawberry pink bakery boxes and having us hot stamp their logo on them in chocolate brown. “We had a big conversation about it and we talked about how it adds to the perceived value. We have a great product and we want people to know that,” says Rales. “Now people see the pink box and they know it’s from us. People instantly associate the pink box with Ronatta’s Cakery.” The complemented the boxes with paper shopping bags. They were chocolate brown with the log in pink.
Since then, the bakery has graduated to selling espresso drinks as well. What better way to advertise than to put those drinks in custom printed coffee cups? The company now carries two sizes of hot coffee cups that don the all-pink design along with the bakery’s name and signature logo. “They’re one of a kind. In the surrounding area we are the only ones with something like this,” Rales explains. “It sets us apart. People can tell that they’re getting something special.”
Thinking it’s time for your business to bloom? Contact our Packaging Advisors for insight and assistance. They can help get your company name out there and in front of a larger audience. Call them at 888-321-2248 Monday through Friday, 8: 30 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST.
This year we’re focused on being able to stock more products that we feel our customers will love. We’ve been lucky enough to expand and acquire the space needed to store some of the most interesting, on-trend products in the industry. This month we’re rolling out the carpet for three new must-have items that can help your business stand out among the competition.
These coffee bags combine the aesthetic of the popular and crafty chalkboard craze with the reliability of a poly-lined tin tie bag. They’re an excellent item for coffee shops, bakeries, and farmers markets. The best part? You can use a chalk marker to decorate the bags in a way that reflects your brand. Or simply mark an item or a date on the bag. But they’re not just for looks. With these re-closable tin tie bags you get the same high bar quality that you’re used to getting with MrTakeOutBags.
Meet the new MrTakeOutBags exclusive! Stackable handled lunch and cupcake boxes are considered an industry gem and caterers, bakers, and event coordinators love them. The boxes ship and store flat in order to save space. Once in use, the handles bend over, allowing you to stack multiple boxes. This makes transporting and setting up meals so easy. If you want both form and function, this particular design can only be found here. Fresh citrus green plays off the natural kraft brown box to create a look that is eco-friendly and stylish.
With the ever-growing popularity of food delivery services (think Uber Eats and Postmates) comes a demand for food to arrive securely. The new Seal 2 Go bags do just that. A sealable, tamper-proof carryout bag is a safe way and effective to ensure that your customers’ food arrives to their doorstep without any unwanted fingers swiping a taste along the way. This bag is a brand new addition to the market and was made to help keep customer, business owners, and delivery drivers happy. Watch the video to see exactly how it works!
In 2004, renowned chef David Chang opened Momofuku Noodle Bar in New York. And that was just the beginning. From that beginning stemmed several variations like Momofuku Ssäm Bar, Momofuku Ko, and the bakery, Momofuku Milk Bar. In 2015 (rising from his former successes) came a fried chicken concept named Fuku. So when we were given the opportunity to work on a logoed takeout bag for Fuku, needless to say we were very excited.
For this project, one of our senior Packaging Advisors worked closely with Brendan Newell, Designer for Momofuku. His job was to dream up a look that was reflective of the famous brand. Our job was to help him make it a reality.
Making Local Impact
“The impetus behind this project was to drive the brand impact in the local area,” says Newell. He explains that Fuku opened in a neighborhood where they did not yet have a lot of presence, so Newell and company had to help drum some up. “The idea is that people will be walking from the storefront to their home or office, and the bag design will help gain exposure. When people see it on the street, they become interested,” says Newell. And trust us, this bag’s design is nothing if not intriguing.
Paying Homage
“The design is mostly our logo wrapped around the sides of the bag,” he explains. “Conceptually, the intent was to mirror the flagship item of Fuku – a fried chicken sandwich. When the first location opened, the chicken was way bigger than the bun and it was a distinguishing element, a defining factor. So this design is an homage to that,” says Newell. “It cannot be contained by the face of the bag.”
In addition to the overflowing logo, the brown bags feature a woodgrain pattern. “This location has a lot Baltic birch, so this was a reflection of that,” Newell says. “And the leaf is a call back to the peach in the original Fuku logo.”
This sort of collaboration with the customer from concept to finished product is ideal. The results of this team effort are obvious, because this bag shouts its message to everyone who passes by it on the street.
Here at MrTakeOutBags we are constantly on the lookout for new products that we think will enhance our customers’ professional presentation. We are excited to announce three eye-catching new additions to our line of food packaging. These new items – the blue ripple paper coffee cups, red checkered lunch boxes, and orange CuBE containers – are sure to make a splash this summer.
Available in three popular sizes, these hot drink cups caught our eye simply for their distinct look. It can be difficult to stand out among competition. So making a simple change to the look of a cup can have a surprising and lasting effect. What was especially noticeable about this design is that the ripples, or waves, go horizontally. Typically, this style of coffee cup has vertical ridges. Once we tested out the cups’ quality and durability, we knew it was an item we could be proud to carry.
blue ripple wrap paper cups
Red Checkered Lunch Boxes
Just in time for summer picnics and outdoor food events! The gingham-style disposable lunch box is a must for caterers, vendors, and event coordinators. They have all the same great features as our standard stackable deli boxes, but with a picnic tablecloth printed pattern. With two sizes available, you can find a size that best suits your needs.
8.875 x 5 x 6.75″ version8 x 4.875 x 5.25″ version
Orange CuBE Containers
Last year we started carrying three sizes of lime green meal prep containers, and they were a hit. People love the fresh look of the vibrant green, and they also appreciate packaging that is as reliable as it is unique. Our customers told us how they used the lime green CuBE containers to help their business become more recognizable among competitors. With this type of response, there was no way we were going to pass up an opportunity to offer a bright orange option as well. The bright colors stand out, sure, but they also help the packaged prepared food really pop!
Not seeing the kind of packaging you’re looking for? Think we should carry a style that we don’t have yet? Let us know! We want to hear from you about what you’d like to see on our site. Drop us a line at [email protected] or give us a call at 888-321-2248. And if you want to make sure you’re up-to-date on all the latest items, be sure to sign up for our monthly newsletter.
Yes, the ones we sell that come with lids – also known as a combo pack – work well. They’re good for ice cream because there is a poly coating on both the inside and outside of the container. This is a critical element when putting things in a freezer.
Keep moisture out
The moisture will be absorbed by the pulp of the paper and become soft. But with the poly coating the container stays rigid. The interior coating is a second layer of protection that keeps the moisture from being pulled right through the fibers and into your ice cream. A paper cup must be coated on the inside and outside for the sake of the structure as well as the sake of your product, the ice cream.
Keep in mind that if ice cream is to be stored, there is usually a plastic film that is sealed to the rim before the lid goes on. This makes the ice cream tamperproof but it doubles as a way to keep moisture from getting into the container. When ice cream is being used for a “fresh application” – which can be a short storage time, like overnight, or when it is to be eaten right away – a lid will do the trick.
Put a lid on it
Our lids are vented, but you will want an un-vented lid for longer storage times. Vented lids work great when storing for a short period of time. One way to help close up the vents is to have a label made with your logo on it. This way you can seal up the vents and get the benefit of branding your ice cream.
Not sure what type of freezer-safe label you need? Not to worry, our experts can help with that! Feel free to call our Packaging Advisors for help with both plain and printed items. They can be reached at 888-321-2248.
In this installment we take a look at lunch boxes:
How do I determine the right lunch box for my event?
The biggest issue we commonly run into is finding the right size when it comes to lunch boxes. But there’s not one answer. Sandwiches, apples, cookies, even drinks – all common items in boxed lunches – can vary in size and shape. We all know that a sandwich on a bun will be very different from a sandwich on a hoagie roll. So the first step is knowing what you’re putting in the box and the approximate size of each item.
Decide on the items you’re packing
Once you’ve identified the items and their size, I would strongly suggest calling in to speak with a Packaging Advisor about receiving samples. This is ideal, but only when there is enough time before your event to receive and test the samples before purchasing. If you have time to get samples, I recommend trying two sizes and maybe even two different colors or patterns to see which works best for you.
Find the right size
Pressed for time? There are other ways to find the right size. I always tell customers to gather the items that they plan to pack in the lunch box and put them on a table. Now, put the items together in the same way you would intend to pack the box. Now measure the space that it takes up. Measure left to right, then from front to back, then approximate height as some snacks will need to be stacked. This method should give you a good estimate of size.
Or you can pick one of the sizes listed on our site. Choose one that might work best. Then draw out those measurements on a piece of paper. Now grab your boxed lunch items and see if they fit within these parameters.
Find the right box
Now that you have an idea of the size you’ll need, you now need to figure out the best box to use. The stackable lunch boxes with handles are the most popular for catered events. They can be loaded and stacked, then easily transported to the event. Gable boxes also have handles, though when they’re assembled they can’t be stacked. These are good for smaller events. A handle on the box makes it’s easier for diners to grab their meal and still have a free hand to pick up a drink or utensils.
These boxes will work only for wrapped food, such as a wrapped sandwiched and a bag of chips. These are not suitable for salads or saucy meals. For something like that you’ll want to take a look at Bio-Pak options. Serving fried food? You’ll want to pack it in vented snack boxes. These are also stackable, though they do not have handles.
As with anything, if you have questions about what box, bag, cup, or plate to use for your event, give us a call. We’re happy to help you find the right solution!
Please give us a call at 888-321-2248 and one of our Packaging Advisors can assist. Or send us an email at [email protected].
Today we’re looking at the key factors needed to custom print your logo:
What do I need to know when ordering a customized item?
Often we speak with people who want to put their business logo on an item, but they’re not sure where to begin. It’s understandable – there are so many factors involved that it can seem overwhelming. But the good thing is this: if you are prepared with information on a few key points, custom printing can be quite painless.
Make sure you’re getting the right item
You would be amazed at the amount of people who are using the wrong item for their needs. Sometimes a slight adjustment can make all the difference. A grease resistant pastry bag, for example, will be better suited for your bakery than a paper merchandise bag. Or perhaps you need paper basket liners or sandwich wraps. It’s important to get the right paper weight for your specific application.
Keep it simple
Start with your logo. If it has a lot of colors in it or a great deal of detail, it may need to be altered for printing. When we hot-stamp items we find it’s best to stick with one color logos, though sometimes two color logos will also work. There’s a bit more flexibility when ink-printing, but simpler is almost always better and leaves a lasting impression.
Get the right quantity
Let’s say you’re using plain cupcake boxes at the moment, but you want to put your logo on them. It helps to know how many you’re using currently. Different printing methods – as well as the specific items being printed – will affect the minimum quantity needed to customize. The higher the quantity that can be run, the lower the price per unit. Consider how much you’re using now and if you can order up to a one year supply.
Know your storage abilities
While you may have the desire and budget to take on a year’s supply, remember to keep in mind what your storage will allow for. I’ve worked with customers who are ready to place a large order but realize that they don’t have the space for all those cases of boxes or bags. Because each item is packed differently, ask your Packaging Advisor to help you figure out how many cases are in your potential order.
Crunch the numbers
Knowing your budget is crucial. And it’s important to discuss this early on so that our Packaging Advisors provide you with options on custom packaging that are suitable. Understand that, naturally, there is a price increase when moving from a plain, unprinted item to customized packaging. So it’s important to know how much that’s worth to you and your business.
Today’s question focuses on keeping fried food crispy with the right packaging:
How can I keep my fried food from getting soggy?
While there’s no way to keep fried food crispy as time goes by, but there are certainly ways to slow down the process. Specific styles of packaging, of course, is one of those ways.
Many of our customers serve fried food and are looking for ways to keep things hot and crispy, especially when using takeout packaging. There are a few key features in packaging that can help slow the de-crisping process.
Look for vent holes
Hot, fried items produce steam. Without vent holes, that steam creates condensation on the interior of the box, and turns those crispy French fries into soggy spuds. Vent holes in a box allow steam to escape, but not so much so that all the heat is gone.
The white snack takeout box has vents that allow steam to escape.
Not all items have vent holes built in, but some, like the BioPak box, allow steam out by the way the closes. A small gap in the closure will work to your benefit when trying to keep fried food crispy. Plus they come in an array of colors, sizes, and styles to fit your brand. Of course, if you’re thinking of custom printing, we have a vented box that’s perfect for that, too. You can find more info on those right here.
custom printed takeout boxes with vents
Opt for grease resistant paper
Remember that almost all fried food comes in paper packaging, not plastic. That’s no coincidence. Paper will help keep some oil away from the food by absorbing some of it. A grease resistant paper will slow – but not stop – the absorption so you don’t suddenly end up with a wet-looking bag full of homemade tortilla chips.
Oil will travel through the fibers of a bag, but a grease resistant paper will make that journey more difficult for oil. Not only will this help keep foods crunchy, it will also make your presentation more appealing. Grease resistant lunch sacks are a great option when you need something to hold a small order of a fried item.
grease resistant bag
And then there are the fried chicken bags we carry. They’re an excellent option for businesses that want the right product that will help them stand out without having to move to custom printing.
12# bag with tin tie closure
Use the right packaging
Not all containers for fried food need to be grease resistant. For foods that will be eaten right away, rather than delivered or saved and eaten later, paper food trays are a great option.They’re a low price point and provide a great presentation for all sorts of side dishes.
3# kraft paper food tray
These are just a few options that may work for your fried food. If you have more questions, please give us a call at 888-321-2248 and one of our Packaging Advisors will be more than happy to assist. Or send us an email at [email protected].
Today’s questions focus on finding the right size container for your application:
I do a lot of takeout business. What are the right size takeout container(s) that I should stock?
Your chef likely spends lots of time preparing dishes. You want to be sure that your takeout containers present the dishes in a secure, warm and appealing way.
Lots of restaurants fall short when they send these dishes home.
Our CuBE Plastics line is an ideal set of containers for these takeout meals. They come in 35 different sizes, so you can choose what’s best for you. And their clear lids show off the meals inside.
CuBE containers are:
Environmentally-friendly as they are made with Type 5 100% Recyclable material
Air-tight and Leak Resistant; perfect for moist or wet foods like chicken with sauce
Flexible; their overcap flat-top lids (included) allow containers to be stacked as well as increase the interior capacity significantly
Your customers will love them as they are microwaveable, dishwasher safe and freezer safe. Plus they can be reused over and over again.
But you need to be sure you pick the correctly-sized containers as there’s nothing worse than forcing lovingly presented meals in squished containers .
Tip: Pay attention to the dimensionsof the containers as opposed to the listed ounces. You might think that 16 ounces sounds like a lot, but you’ll be surprised at this container’s compactness. So measure the dimensions of the largest dishes and buy containers that easily cover this size.
After dinner
Your diners may want to take their leftovers home.
You will want a smaller container for leftovers since the meal is partly consumed, plus presentation is likely not as important.
Tip: Consider stocking a few sizes for packaging leftovers. This way you won’t need to use a large container when all that is required is something small; and you won’t need to cram everything into a petite container when you need more space.
Bags for Take Out
Many restaurants pack the containers in bags for easy handling by customers as they head back to their homes. Some restaurants use t-shirt bags which are very flexible; others provide premium bags that work well with large containers.
The Super Wave bag below features an open extra wide top to enable quick and easy loading of takeout orders. Bags are engineered specifically for carryout containers to help prevent tipping and spilling. Bags stand on their own with wide, flat base to carry up to four food containers without tilting. Plus, they are made in the USA>
The line offers classic black containers but also comes in lime green (MrTakeOutBags is the only distributor to stock this bold, unique color). Stand out from competitors with this bright shade.
Do you have questions about the right containers and bags for your restaurant? Call our Packaging Consultants at 888-321-2248.
Today’s questions focus on California’s latest ruling on plastic bags:
What happened in California with the Plastic Bag Ban Referendum?
Californians voted in November on whether to uphold a 2015 state law that banned single-use, non-recyclable plastic bags at many businesses. Voters ratified the measure 52%-48% which had the following effect:
Effective immediately, grocery stores, retail stores with a pharmacy, convenience stores, food marts and liquor stores will no longer provide single-use plastic carry-out bags to customers. If a customer wants a bag, a business will charge a minimum of 10 cents for a reusable bag. Consumers are expected to bring their own reusable bags – particularly to grocery stores.
What does this mean for California businesses? Will it affect me?
Restaurants and small businesses/ or boutiques are exempt from this new bag law. Of course, for environmental and branding reasons, you might want to offer recyclable bags.
My business is not based in California. Is a plastic bag ban likely to affect me?
It depends on where your business is based.
Hawaii and Washington DC (as well as numerous other cities around the country) have passed plastic bag regulations.
However, there is a push from states to resist any such bans. The governments that have or are aiming to pass state-wide restrictions on local government enacting plastic bag plans are Arizona, Missouri, Idaho, Indiana, Utah and Wisconsin.
Looking for recyclable or reusable alternatives?
If you are a small business, you are probably not affected by a plastic bag ban. But if you do use plastic bags you may want to consider a higher quality, recyclable bag. Or you can alternatively use a Reusable heavy weight (over 2.5 mil thickness) bag that is meets the current definition of a reusable plastic bag.
And the ultimate alternative to plastic are paper bags which are often recycled and easily recyclable. They come in standard sizes as well as specialized size for specific users (for example, bread).
Today’s questions focus on custom printed packaging:
What is the minimum quantity to print?
Well, that all boils down to the item that’s being printed and what the customer chooses in terms of the printing (number of colors, simplicity or complexity of the artwork or logo and the areas of the packaging that require printing such as one side or all side). It could be as low as few hundred reusable totes or wine bottle boxes- all the way up to 50,000 for a custom size box. There’s a lot of ground between those two numbers. So how do you know where you stand with the item you want? A good rule of thumb is this:
If the item is made first and then printed later, the minimum (and lead time) goes down.
If the item needs to be printed first and then made (folded, glued, formed, etc) into an item after it’s been printed, the minimum (and lead time) goes up.
Generally speaking we can print as few as 1,000 of one kind of bag. When it comes to boxes, we can often mix and match box sizes to create a 1,000 piece order.
What is hot stamping? How do I know if it’s right for me?
Hot stamping is a type of print process for customizing a packaging item with your own company’s name, brand, logo or slogan. It’s a great fit for small quantities and for new businesses. The quality is excellent and the look is much more striking than ink printing on an item. Hot stamping uses high pressure and high temperature, hand-fed printing that transfers pigment or foil to a bag or box. The results are bold, clean imprints ideal for simple logos. This process is not ideal for printing multiple colors, highly detailed images, or shading.
Do you offer samples?
We are happy to discuss (and often send) samples to you.
The first thing we would need to discern is if the sample is necessary. You may see an item on our website that you think will be just perfect for you. And it could be exactly what you need. But then again, it may not be the best fit. That’s why we strongly encourage you to give our packaging advisors a call to go over the sample request. They frequently will have suggestions of other items to compare for either size, quality, functionality or price point. We want to get you the best sample for your needs.
A few members of our Packaging Advisors team.
Still have questions about Custom Packaging?
Give us a call at 888-321-2248 or check out our Custom Packaging category and fill out a form to get more info.
Just as the name suggests, the Dapper Doughnut seeks to raise the bar on your average sweet treat. It’s no surprise, then, that they currently have nine locations throughout the country. And they’re slated to double that by mid-June of 2017. Most of the Dapper Doughnut posts are franchises, too. And they’re the first national mini doughnut franchise with a focus on hot mini doughnuts that are made to order. The Dapper Doughnut needed custom packaging that is just as buzzworthy as its product.
The Design
“We designed the branding, packaging, website, and other brand assets to elevate the typical doughnut shop experience to an artisan level,” says Jacqueline Ball, Digital Strategist and Brand Developer at The Digital Design Co. Because of her expertise, she helped launch the burgeoning company into a nationally recognized brand.
Photo by Jessie Preza | Styling by The Digital Design Co.
The Packaging
Ball contacted MrTakeOutBags to work on both the grease resistant kraft pastry bags and the matching coffee cup sleeves for the franchises. “Our packaging is designed to make the customer feel like they are receiving a gift,” explains Ball. “We created social media share-worthy packaging so we could capitalize on the millennial trend to share new and exciting experiences.
“We are in the foodie revolution,” says Ball, “and having customized packaging can act as a major advertising tool. It shows your investment in your brand and helps elevate your customers’ perception of what you offer.”
At MrTakeOutBags, we couldn’t agree more, which is why working with someone like Ball on a cohesive brand is so rewarding. Not only does she believe in the product, but she also understands the power of printing a company logo on all its packaging.
Photo by Jessie Preza | Styling by The Digital Design Co.
The Takeaway
“Custom packaging is here to stay,” Ball explains. “Today you have to be different, innovative and on-trend to really stand out. Your packaging is one of the main exchange points between you and your customer. It will only bless your business if this presentation is at its highest level!”
The summer is heating up, and if you’re in the food industry you know what that means: outdoor food festivals! Use this list to make sure you get the right food festival supplies.
We help tons of restaurants and vendors who set up booths at street fairs, wing fests, and rib fests, so we know a thing or two about the inventory needed to make that day run smoothly. That’s why we created a handy little shopping list so you can focus on what you do best: making some finger-licking, award-winning food. Just remember to stock up on the necessary disposable food containers!
These natural kraft clamshell containers are must for food vendors. Multiple sizes make it easy to package all your fresh foods, whether it’s a snack, a side dish, or a full meal. And while they are eco-friendly, that doesn’t mean they don’t work hard. The corrugation on these boxes makes them sturdy and reliable, ready to take on some of your messiest meals.
When you have customers who are about to dig right into your food, you need a kraft paper food tray. Easy handling and strong material make this paper boat an excellent choice, plus it’s one of the most ubiquitous food festival supplies you’ll see.
Need something with a side compartment for sauces or dips? These takeout box inserts are ideal because they separate ingredients, they’re sturdy, easy to carry around an event, and eco-friendly!
Your customers will love them as they are microwaveable, dishwasher safe and freezer safe. Plus they can be reused over and over again.
When you have customers who are about to dig right into your food, you need a kraft paper food tray. Easy handling and strong material make this paper boat an excellent choice, plus it’s one of the most ubiquitous food festival supplies you’ll see.
Easily carry two or four drinks – no juggling act required.