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MrTakeOutBags.com Foodservice Jesse Harster Blog

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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.

Chalkboard Tin Tie Bags

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.

Citrus au Natural Stackable Lunch Boxes

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.

Seal 2 go Security Wave Bags

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!

Pic: Fuku Custom Takeout Bag

fuku bag

Fuku Arrives

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.

 

Learn about Custom Carry Out Bags Here

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.

 

Blue Ripple Paper Coffee Cups

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
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″ version
8 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.


Can I put ice cream in this?


frozen yogurt

Can I put ice cream in soup containers?

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.

kraft paper soup container with lid

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.

You’re going to need spoons, too. We have options to suit all business types.


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.

green and chocolate handle takeout box

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.

small gable box in hand

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.

 takeout lunch box with items inside

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:


box of doughnuts

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:


food-997682_1920

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.

vented snack box
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 takeout boxes
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 SOS bag
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.

paper fried chicken bag
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.

paper food tray
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

round cubeYour 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 dimensions of 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.

plastic food container

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>

Tip:  Want to learn about various types of bags? Check out this informative video.

I’m looking for a stylish container.

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.

green meal prep

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.

plastic_bags_in_tree

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.

You should check out this line of biodegradable Epi plastic bags.

bbw12101610bio

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).

You can get premium bags with handles at affordable prices.  Check this assortment of recyclable paper bags.

fbapsnk120712


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-stamp-vs-ink-print

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.
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.

http://www.mrtakeoutbags.com/store/custom-packaging.html

The Dapper Doughnut

DapperDonuts_custom items

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!

Corrugated Clamshells (the saving grace of the outdoor food event)

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.


Kraft paper food trays

hand holding kraft paper food tray with friesWhen 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.


Checkered paper food boats

Or maybe you prefer a checkered version? This design is a staple for any outdoor event.


Nacho tray

nacho divider for takeout boxes

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!


Concession Tray

disposable concession tray with chips in it

For larger orders that include a side and a drink, the condiment carry tray is a concession must-have.


Sugar cane clamshell

hand holding sugarcane clamshell

Great for sandwiches or burgers, these compostable clamshells are a better choice than Styrofoam – both for you and your customers!


Drink carrier

disposable 4 cup carrier with cups insideEasily carry two or four drinks – no juggling act required.


Utensils

Whether going for something chic, or a classic black look, make sure you remember to stock up on the utensils your diners will need.


Napkins

Slinging ribs or wings? Don’t let your customers down by offering a too-thin napkin that can’t stand up to the sauce.


Carryout bags

Whether you want paper or plastic, don’t forget to have bags on hand for customers with larger orders.


French fry bags

various snacks in sacks use

Great for fries, of course, but also popcorn, fried singer food, or chips.


Need something that’s not on this list? We can help. Give us a call at 888-321-2048 and we can help you checkoff your food festival supplies list.

June 2nd is National Donut Day, and we are a nation who loves those sweet, round treats. The rise of the artisan donut is taking the country by storm, and we wanted to share some of our favorites. Trust us, these destinations are worth a road trip.

Voodoo Doughnuts

www.voodoodoughnut.com/

One of the pioneers of the artisan donut is this Portland, Oregon staple. As kooky as they are delicious, Voodoo Donut’s signature sweets are all too tempting to resist. Need proof? Just take consider their expansion from Portland to Eugene, Oregon, to Denver and Austin.

VooDoo Doughnut
VooDoo Doughnut

Salty Donut

www.saltydonut.com/

It didn’t take long for Miami tourists and locals alike to take note of the weekend-only donut popup shop. Some say it’s because of the permanent fixture flavors like Maple Bacon or Brown Butter and Salt. Others will tell you that the weekly rotation of specialty flavors is what keeps the masses coming back. All we know is that you better get there early, because these desirable donuts sell out fast.

Salty Donut
Salty Donut

The Dapper Doughnut

www.thedapperdoughnut.com/

Our friends over at the Dapper Doughnut have locations throughout the US, including Cincinnati and Las Vegas, with upcoming locations set for Dallas, Houston, St. Louis, Detroit, and more. They specialize in mini donuts that are hot and made to order. Full disclosure: they are a customer of ours and we helped them get their iconic logo on their packaging. Does that make us biased? No, it just makes us loyal!

The Dapper Doughnut
The Dapper Doughnut

Glam Doll Donuts

www.glamdolldonuts.com/

Dedicated to creating unique recipes and inspired by vintage style, this Minneapolis shop needs to be on your radar. Be sure to check out tempting options like the Bombshell, which is filled with Mexican chocolate and topped with cayenne pecans. The ladies at Glam Doll also serve up crullers, fritters, and vegan selections.

Glam Doll Donuts
Glam Doll Donuts

Dough Doughnuts

www.doughdoughnuts.com/

The focus at this New York City donut shop is on top-notch ingredients and careful craftsmanship. These are donuts that are lovingly created, and lovingly consumed, too. And for those who like to watch the magic happen, you can view the doughnuts being made while you wait.

Dough Doughnuts
Dough Doughnuts

Union Square Donuts

www.unionsquaredonuts.com/

A stroll through the Boston Public Market isn’t complete without stopping for a Union Square donut or two. The original shop is located in Union Square, of course, but they also set up shop in several popular farmers markets. Seasonal flavors abound, but that doesn’t mean you should sleep on standards like the famous brown butter hazelnut crunch.

Union Square Donuts
Union Square Donuts

Donut Friend

www.donutfriend.com

It’s hard to pin down the most appealing thing about this LA-based donut shop. Is it the witty flavor names? Or is it the brilliant combination of ingredients? Perhaps it’s the fact that you can build your own donut. Yes, truly customizable confections right at your fingertips. Welcome to donut heaven.

Donut Friend
Donut Friend

Not only do we adore donuts, we know donuts and we understand how to package them. If your bakery or donut shop is in need of donut boxes, bakery tissue, or grease resistant bags for solo sweets, we got you covered. Thinking about taking business to the next level by with custom packaging? We can help with that, too. Give us a call at 888-321-2248 for assistance.
Some of our favorite customized coffee cups.

Custom paper coffee cups are one way to create a mobile billboard for your café or bakery. Sure, you can use a plain cup with a plain sleeve. Or you can put those paper coffee cups to work in promoting your brand’s visibility.  We work with many businesses who chose to customize their hot drink cups and saw great results. These are just a few of our favorites. “Low Minimum” Quantity Print for most paper coffee cup options are much lower than ever before.

Lakota

Lakota uses a simple design to make a memorable custom paper cup. The two color logo is especially eye-catching when printed on the ripple-wrap style paper cup. The ripples act as a double wall, creating a sleeve to keep coffee hot and hands cool.

Carrera Café

Double wall paper coffee cups don’t always have to have ridges. For those who prefer a smoother style: we’ve got you covered.  Carrera Café opted for a sleek finish while still utilizing the double wall effect that acts as a sleeve. Plus, this style allows for smaller runs and lower quantities than the ripple-wrap.

Nic’s Organic Fast Food

Like the rest of the Nic’s Organic Fast Food custom take out packaging, these stand out coffee cups are a fresh, eye-catching green. The bright hue helps this disposable paper cup stand apart from its competition and puts them in a league all their own.

nic's organic ripple cup

*Nic’s Organic gets bonus points for matching their hot cups with their cold cups (and with their dry waxed sandwich wrapper food tissue, and their paper fry cartons, and their paper placemats, and their paper soup cups). That’s always a powerful image.

nic's organic insta

Other Options

If personalized logo paper coffee cups aren’t the best fit for you – whether due to budget, minimums, or storage space – there are other ways to get your logo out there. Consider custom printed insulating sleeves for your coffee cups. You can use the stock cup that you prefer and manage that inventory as needed. Then just add on the printed logo cup sleeves and each customer that leaves your shop with a cup of joe will still be carrying around a walking billboard of your business branding image.

Just check out what our friends at Dapper Doughnut did with a custom printed paper coffee cup sleeve.

Coffee Sleeves

And if customizing is not an option yet for you, just make sure you use something distinct, like the owners of Allegheny Coffee did with their black ripple-wrap cups.

Remember, the food packaging you choose for your business can have a positive influence on your customers’ experience. And there are options available for companies of all sizes. Our Packaging Advisors are happy to chat with you about options that are best-suited for your needs. Please feel free to contact them at 888-321-2248.

Many of our customers understand the importance of visual brand marketing. But when we first spoke with Jason Beam, co-owner of Roadhouse Diner in Great Falls, Montana, we could tell right away that he has more than just an understanding. Along with his wife Tara, Beam opened Roadhouse Diner after he spent fifteen years working for an ad agency. It was clear that this background led to his appreciation of customized takeout packaging.

roadhouse diner burger
Just look at that mammoth burger! We’re gonna need a bigger takeout box.

The Background

“I was designing, marketing, and creating campaigns,” says Beam. “That background gave me the ability to understand the importance of branding by coming up with unique solutions that people haven’t seen before.” When it comes to takeout packaging for the restaurant, there was no question that custom packaging would be utilized.

Custom packaging” Beam continues, “is an opportunity to stand out in a tangible form. People can hold it and touch it and take it away. Then they start building that association of a unique experience with your company and your food. That’s the value I see in customized packaging.”

That’s why Beam reached out to MrTakeOutBags.com looking for a custom takeout box that is as fashionable as it is functional. The #4 vented takeout box was the right fit, and Beam had the design ready to go.

custom food container
Custom Roadhouse Diner takeout boxes

The Results

How were the boxes received by the customers at Roadhouse Diner? “People have been really receptive. Everybody seems to love them.” exclaims Beam. “They’re fun, they fit the experience of the restaurant, and they’re an extension of our personality. My wife runs the front of house and she’s always excited to hand them out. People even get their pictures taken with the boxes.

No one around here who has a similar style takeout box,” says Beam. “And it helps extend our brand into people’s homes or offices. It’s a very strong visual impact. When there is an order of ten lunches delivered to the office it becomes an event, you feel like you got something cool, and that goes with our entire food philosophy.”

Ready to put your logo on the products your business uses? We can help with that! Give us a call at 888-321-2248 to discuss custom options.

Hawaiian Cuisine Meets Fast Casual

Maybe you’ve already noticed it. Fast casual restaurants popping up in cities around the nation offering bowls of poké (pronounced poh-kay). It’s a dish that usually consists of raw fish. The fish is cut into bite-sized chunks and marinated in sesame oil and soy sauce. It’s often put on top of rice or kale salads, and will incorporate other ingredients such as seaweed, avocado, and pickled ginger. This Hawaiian cuisine is gaining popularity in the food scene everyday. It also lends itself very well to fast casual dining, which only heightens the appeal for many diners.

According to Eater.com, poké is appealing to restaurant-goers and restaurant owners alike because it works so well as a fast casual concept. Take the popular Poke Salad Bar in Pasadena for example. Here customers can choose from a variety of fresh ingredients to create their own bowls. Picture a Chipotle-style ordering system where you move down the line, customizing your perfect lunch.

Or maybe you’ve heard of Pokeworks? It’s a multi-location fast casual hotspot that can be found on both coasts as well as the Midwest and the South. Here again we see that customers are given the power to create what they crave. There must be something about that ability to design your own bowl of fresh, healthy ingredients that adds to the dish’s popularity. With more locations popping up across the country, we imagine this latest food trend will be sticking around!

Have a fast casual restaurant? We’ve got your packaging!

Do you operate a restaurant that serves poké? Then we’ve got your packaging needs. From salad bowls to takeout bags; utensils to containers, we have your fast casual dining needs covered. And if you’re at a point where you’re thinking it’s time to customize your to-go bags or add labels to your container lids, we can do that, too. Just give our Packaging Advisors a call at 888-321-2248.