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MrTakeOutBags.com Foodservice Jesse Harster Blog

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Small Price, Small Detail, Big Results

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Sometimes it’s the smallest details that can make the biggest impact, especially when it comes to packaging. Over the years, we’ve learned that there are several go-to gems that our customers use over and over. These are items that have a small price tag but drive the perceived value of a retail package way, way up.

Ribbons

To get the most professional look, complete bakery packaging with a color-coordinating ribbon. Pair a chocolate brown cupcake box with a soft pink ribbon and you’ve just enhanced the entire look and value of your baked goods. Select one of our Wraphia (Raffia) ribbons for a textured touch. Or go for something even more eye-catching, like a ribbon with a printed pattern. This economical addition makes each purchase feel all the more special in your customers’ eyes.

If you’re ready to add your logo, your company name, or even a photo to your ribbon, then let’s talk! Custom ribbon can be ordered in quantities as low as one roll. And, for those shops that recognize that “branding is everything,” customized ribbon is the way to really wrap things up with flare.

Wine Bottle Carriers & Wine Gift Boxes

                                                           NEW barn wood wine bottle carrier

Whether you’re a vineyard selling bottles of wine, or corporation sending out gifts to top clients during the holidays, using the wine bottle carriers or wine gift boxes will drastically improve your presentation. Available single, double, and triple bottle sizes – and in a variety of color s and patterns – there is sure to be one that fits your personal brand.

Seasonal Tin Tie Bags

                                      1 pound holiday tin tie bags with a window

If you want to really get your customers in the holiday spirit, package your goodies in one of these festive new tin tie bags. It’s like a little pre-packaged gift that your customers can pass on to friends and coworkers.

Crinkle Cut Shred

When preparing a gift basket, the perfect eco-friendly filler is Crinkle Cut Shred. It’s available in an array of colors to fit your desired theme. This is especially great for gift basics with that include glass (like jars of jams or mustards) as it prevents them from clanking into each other. It also helps boost each presentation and gives it a thoughtful, curated look.

Looking for more presentation-enhancing ideas? Give our Packaging Advisors a call! They can help you put together the perfect look for your business. Call 888-321-2248, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. EST.

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In Food

Best Regional Sandwiches in the US

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November 3rd is National Sandwich Day, so we wanted to see just what the nation had to offer between two slices of bread (or otherwise). Here’s a look into some of our favorite, regional rock star sammies.

 

Kentucky hot browns: Louisville

From the kitchen on the Brown Hotel in Louisville comes the famous cheesy, open-faced sandwich. It’s comfort food at its best: turkey and bacon on a slice of bread, covered in Mornay sauce and thrown under the broiler. A popular variation includes topping it with a slice of tomato as well. You know it’s ready when the cheese sauce starts to brown!

A Kentucky Hot Brown from Brown Hotel

 

 

Gerber Sandwich: St. Louis

On the surface, this St. Louis staple seems pretty unassuming. Nothing more than an open-face ham and cheese sandwich, right? Not exactly. See, it starts with the bread. Locals use French bread and slather it with a garlic butter mixture. Then it’s topped with ham and – here’s where the magic happens – Provel cheese. This combo of provolone, cheddar, and swiss cheese is available almost exclusively in the St. Louis area. It’s a melty processed cheesed that browns perfectly under the broiler. Sprinkle a little paprika on top and you’re transported to the Gateway City.

St. Louis Gerber Sandwich

 

French fry sandwiches: Pittsburgh

We can’t create a sandwich round up and not include our city’s very own claim to fame. The Primanti Brothers sandwich gives you everything you need in one (enormous) bite: meat, tomato, onion, coleslaw, and french fries. In this city, it’s not too difficult to find a sandwich that includes a heap of fries directly on it. But Primanti Brothers is the shop that started it, and the place locals and tourists alike just can’t get enough of.

French Fry sandwich from Primanti Bros.

 

Schmitter: Philadelphia

Sure, the cheesesteak is Philly’s most famous creation, but there’s another region-specific sandwich that deserves to share the limelight. The Schmitter, which originated at McNally’s Tavern, is like the extra cheesy cousin to the cheesesteak. Like the city’s #1 sandwich, the Schmitter features thin sliced beef, fried onions, and layers of cheese. But that’s where the similarities end. The addition of grilled salami, tomatoes, and a special sauce – all piled onto a hearty Kaiser roll – makes this one of our favorite creations.

Schmitter sandwich from McNally’s Tavern

 

The Pilgrim or Gobbler: New England

Regardless of where you live, you have probably made this sandwich before. The Pilgrim is a mix of Thanksgiving leftovers like turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and gravy piled high on white bread. It’s been recreated all over the country, but it began in the New England area. We like to think that this one has the power to unite, rather than divide, sandwich lovers across the nation. So we say dig in!

Pilgrim Sandwich from the Sandwich Shop in New York

 

 

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In Branding

How Much Does Custom Printing Cost?

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If you’ve ever spent time checking out our custom-printed items section (and you should), you may have noticed that there is no pricing. But all the off-the-shelf stock items have a price, you say. And that’s true. But because there are so many factors that go into a specialty print, it’s impossible to accurately estimate what the price would be without first having a phone call. Here are just some of the variables that can affect the cost.

Pricing for cups and bags can be like apples and oranges.

The Item

Exactly which item are we looking at here? Is it a bag made from regular plastic or biodegradable plastic? Or is it a paper bag? Is that grease resistant paper? Does that takeout box require vent holes (if it’s fried food it does)? Speaking with an expert here will help you nail down the perfect item for your needs.

The Quantity

The amount of bags, or cups, or boxes being printed will play a big role in the price. The more you get the more it costs, right? Well sure, that’s true about the grand total of an order, but not true for the price per unit. An order of 5,000 bags will cost more than an order of 1,000 bags, but the price per bag will be much less when you buy more due to quantity price breaks.

Example of full-wrap printing.

Printing Type

Once you know how many of an item you want to have printed, that will determine the printing capabilities. Let’s say you want to have a paperboard takeout container printed with your logo. If you’re thinking you only need 1,000 or 2,000, then we can hot stamp the containers. Typically that will allow us one color printed on one side. Now, if you want to get 6,000 takeout boxes with your logo, we now have the ability to do a full wrap print in multiple colors.

 

Timing

Sometimes timing is everything. Need the printed boxes for an opening in 8 weeks? No problem. Need them for an opening in 8 days? Problem. Some items have a pretty hard and fast lead time, while others have a bit of flexibility (within reason). In rare cases, orders can be rushed to meet a deadline, in which case there is a rush fee.

 

These are all reasons why we cannot rightfully post custom pricing. On top of all this, we here at MrTakeOutBags.com believe in building solid, long term partnerships with our customers. Our Packaging Advisors want to chat with you and learn more about your business. Give them a call today and get started!

888-321-2248

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In Products

REUSABLES: Going Beyond Recyclable into Something More Sustainable

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There was a time once when being recyclable was good enough. Whether it was recyclable food packaging or carryout bags, people were happy knowing that the item would skip the landfill and be recycled back into something new. In 2019, however, that’s not always good enough. We’re all doing our part to reduce our carbon footprint, and often times that means searching for reusable before recyclable. NPR recently shared a story about a Canadian grocer who tried to shame people into bringing reusable bags. (Spoiler: that planned backfired, but it was a creative and humorous attempt.)

We understand that people – especially young people who are buying the most takeout – are looking for sustainable packaging. Make sure you don’t get left in the dust by failing to offer what your best customers are asking for.

 

Cube

For fitness junkies and overbooked professionals, meal prep is a life saver. And when there isn’t time to plan out the meals, it’s prepared foods to the rescue. But many people are skipping the fast food drive thru and opting for healthier options found in cafes, grocery stores, and even gyms.

There are two types of meal prep containers out there: CuBE and everything else. They’re a better quality than others like it, which means they can be used over and over more times without losing their shape.

 

Reusable totes

photo by Bon Appetit

If you follow our blog (or our Instagram, hint, hint) then you know we always explain custom printed packaging as a walking billboard for your company. Every coffee cup or takeout bag that leaves your café or restaurant is a little advocate for your company. But at the end of the day, it is almost always a single use item, right? Well, when you have canvas tote bags with your logo printed on them, those puppies will make the rounds all over town while showing off your brand.

We’ve seen this become a more popular trend among progressive restaurants. Bon Appetit Magazine has a couple of great examples, including a few of our personal favorites like Middle Child in Philly, Momofuku in New York, and Rolf & Daughters in Nashville.

 

Not sure where to begin when it comes to more eco-friendly packaging? That’s okay, we can help. Give our experts a call at 888-321-2248. They’ll be happy to chat with you about all the ways you can work sustainable packaging into your business.

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In Branding

Brand Awareness with Cohesive Packaging

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If you follow our Instagram, or if you like us on Facebook, then you’ve probably heard us talk about cohesive packaging before. But what exactly is that – and why is it such a game-changer for food industry business owners?

What it is

Quite simply, it’s packaging that has a consistent looking and feel across a variety of items. So for a fast food company, for example, it would mean French fry bags that match the look and feel of the burger wrapper, which match the look and feel of the soda cups and paper bags.

How it looks

There are two ways this can go. First, it could be using the same color scheme and graphic style across all printed items.

Another way to do it is to use the same logo and vary the color across each item.

Choosing the right one depends on several different factors, but at the end of the day it comes down to personal preference. What’s the best way to get customers to recognize your brand? Is it through the colors you use or is it your logo?

Why it matters

You want people to recognize your brand, right? If you have food or coffee going out your door, you want to make sure it’s properly branded. You’ve heard us say so many times that it’s like a walking billboard. Well, make sure all those little billboards sync up and make sense with your company’s aesthetic.

We like the way Ignite 2X puts it in a piece they wrote about brand awareness and packaging:

“Packaging is the only form of branding that you invite home.” It’s an opportunity for customers to bring a little piece of your shop home or to the office with them. Make sure that packaging feels it comes from your restaurant, rather than a generic, could-be-from-anywhere item.

Where to start

That’s easy – just give us a call! Our Packaging Advisors will spend some time with you to learn what you envision for your cohesive packaging. Since we offer a wide array of food service items (like hot cups, cold cups, deli wraps, takeout boxes, and napkins, to name a few) we can be your one-stop shop.

Get started today by calling 888-321-2248.

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In Branding

The DOs and DON’Ts of Custom Printing

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Now that you’ve given some serious thought to getting your logo printed on your packaging, you probably want to know how to get the most bang for your buck. We get that. We’ve been helping company’s boost brand awareness through custom packaging for years, and we’ve learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t.

DO keep your logo art simple. Printing onto a cup or a bag is much different than printing on to a piece of printer paper. When a logo has too many fine details it can complicate the printing process and cause roadblocks for your project.

DON’T muddy your logo by using many different colors. Often times, the best logos are one or two colors. Close your eyes and try to image the Starbucks logo, or the target logo. How many colors? Right, just one. The single color makes it much easier for customers to recognize and remember.

DO take the highest quantity you can handle. For nearly every item, the price per piece is reduced as the quantity goes up. For example, printing 5,000 coffee cups vs. 25,000 coffee cups. The price per cup will be significantly less when purchasing 25,000 cups.

DON’T take on more than you can store. We always remind our customers to consider how much storage space they have when ordering a custom run line of packaging. If you have questions about how many cases will come in an order, just ask our Packaging Advisors!

DO take the time to work with an advisor to make sure you’re getting the absolute right product to fit your needs. Your business is your baby and the packaging is a reflection of all the painstaking care you’ve taken. When you’re using the correct bakery box or drink cup or takeout bag – or whatever! – for what you’re selling, then you enhance the overall customer experience.

DON’T settle for the wrong item, or the wrong size item, simply because it’s easy or it’s cheap. Your customers will pick up on your decision to cut corners. Trust us, we’ve seen it happen hundreds of times.

 

DON’T wait any longer!

DO give our Packaging Advisors a call to learn more about getting your food service packaging printed with your logo.

888-321-2248 – Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST

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In Products

The Cups Make all the Difference

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A cup may seem like an insignificant little thing, but if you’re in the business of selling coffee (or any beverage for that matter) then you know just how important the cup can be. Having the wrong cup can be a problem. Having a bad cup can be an even bigger one. Getting a good cup is only the first step in ensuring a company’s success. For the most bang for your buck, branded drink cups is the best solution.

Branding

The most obvious reason to “go custom” is to boost brand recognition. You’ve worked so hard on creating a business that has a certain look to it, right? Making sure your coffee cups reflect that aesthetic is a no-brainer for any café and most bakeries. Whether you sell hot coffee, boba tea, milkshakes, or fresh juice – if there are cups going out the door, they really should have your logo on them. Imagine each beverage that leaves your shop as a marketing opportunity. Just imagine the number of potential customers that will cross paths with that cup.

Quality

In addition to giving your marketing efforts more reach, you can also expect branded cups to be top quality. For anyone who has had a customer complain about a leaky cup, you know this is so important. Help improve your overall customer experience by stocking hot cups that won’t leak and cold cups that won’t warp.

Low Minimums

But you knew all of this, didn’t you? You’re a savvy business owner, so you were already aware of the benefits of branding. And you must have figured that we would use the best quality cups for printing. But here’s something you may not have known: the minimum required to brand your own cups is only 5,000 units. Did you also know that it’s super simple to get started? Call our Packaging Advisors today and you could have your own branded cups in just a matter of weeks.

Our Packaging Advisors are ready to help! You can reach them at 888-321-2248 – Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6p.m. EST.

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In Industry

Unboxing: Creating a Great Customer Experience

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If you’re a business owner, chances are you’ve noticed a boom in online sales recently. E-commerce has seen exponential growth, and it shows no signs of slowing down. According to estimates from Internet Retailer, consumers spent over $500 billion dollars in 2018 alone. And that’s about 15% more than what they spent in 2017.

What That Means For You

Even if you have a brick-and-mortar shop, chances are you might still be selling some items online. You want to make sure the entire package is thoughtfully assembled for a well-rounded experience for your customer. In many cases, they do not have the opportunity to stroll through your brick-and-mortar shop, or interact with your sales team. This is your chance to really allow them the full experience of working with your company, so make it a memorable one.

How a product is packaged will greatly affect how valuable a customer finds that product. For instance, imagine unboxing a high-quality shirt. Does the same shirt seem more valuable when it’s stuffed into a plain, clear bag, or when it’s wrapped nicely in custom tissue paper that bears the company’s logo? The choice is clear. The packaging will enhance your product’s perceived value as well as your customers’ experience. This helps your customer develop an idea of your company, even when you can’t interact with her face-to-face.

Helpful Items

Stickers can be both helpful and fun. Use them to seal the tissue paper wrapping, or apply them to the outside of the mailer or shipping box. Want to score some bonus branding points? Toss in a couple logoed stickers with the order and allow the customer to advertise for you either on their car, laptop, or water bottle.

Branded merchandise bags are another surefire way to set your company apart from the competition. This simple touch is what your customers will remember. Of course, if it suits your products better, opt for a custom printed wine or bread sleeve as a way to leave a lasting impression.

In the world of online retailers, it’s so important to provide your customers with an outstanding unboxing experience. Whether you’re ready to print your logo on some key items, or need help with an item, we can help! Give our Packaging Advisors a call at 888-321-2248 to learn more about what we can do to enhance your customers’ experience.

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A Surge in Drop-Off Catering Leads to More Custom Branding

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Here at MrTakeOutBags we can’t help but pay close attention to the changing trends in the food industry. Lately we’ve noticed a surge in catering – specifically drop-off catering. Think: offices that have lunch delivered, or prepared meals made for individual customers. There’s a large demographic of busy, hungry folks who want meals brought to their doorstep. Catering companies are popping up all over, which is why branded packaging is more important than ever.

Labels

When packaging has a company’s logo on it, each delivery becomes a walking billboard. It’s marketing that stretches well beyond the kitchen where the meals are made. Putting something as simple as a custom sticker onto a bag or container can help current and potential customers remember your name. Labels have the added bonus of being the easiest and most cost-effective ways to brand.

To Go Bags

Step up your delivery game with printed carry out bags. Just imagine dropping off a large order for an office lunch, and all your printed bags lined up in the break room. Paper takeout bags add a level of sophistication to any order, while plastic bags work as a smart, economical option.

Disposable Cups

Don’t forget about the cups! Whether you’re bringing carafes of hot coffee or iced tea, printed hot paper cups and printed plastic cups are a must. These powerhouse marketers get around, from break room to desk to the commute home, they are sure to be seen.

Meal Prep Containers

For meal preppers there is the ultimate branding option: reusable plastic containers with custom-etched lids. This shows your clients that you mean business. The great thing about having your logo etched onto the clear plastic lids is that the containers can be used over and over again. This adds lots of longevity to that whole “walking billboard” idea.

Whatever you choose to customize, we can help. We’ve got you covered when it comes to non-printed stock supplies as well. Give our Packaging Advisors a call at 888-321-2248 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST.

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In Food

America’s Most Outrageous Doughnuts

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You know us, we like to indulge a little. So naturally we are celebrating one of our favorite holidays in style. Friday, June 7 is National Doughnut Day and we are ready to party! We took a look into some of the most outrageous doughnuts offered around the country. How many of these would you try?

Honestly not even sure there’s a doughnut under all that. || from Yelp

Gourdough’s Big Fat Doughnuts

Gourdough’s in Austin specializes in off the wall doughnuts, so it’s hard to pick just one. But if we had to pick a favorite, it would probably be the Porkey’s doughnut. It’s got a healthy dose of Canadian bacon, cream cheese, and then it gets its heat from jalapeno jelly. But honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of the doughnuts on their menu.

Instagram: @hi_lo_diner

Hi-Lo Diner

If you’re more of a fried chicken fiend, check out the incomparable Hi-Lo Diner in Minneapolis. The menu includes several Hi-Tops (fried dough piled high with additional goodies), including the Gary Cooper. It’s a fried doughnut topped with fried chicken, maple bourbon syrup, and country gravy. If you’re lucky, you’ll get there in time to try out one of their rotating specials, like their Croque Madame Hi-Top.

 

Instagram: @glamdolldonuts

Glam Doll Donuts

Who here doesn’t love comfort food? That’s what we thought. It’s the perfect combination. That’s why the mac ‘n cheese doughnut (aka the Belly Bomb) from Glam Doll Donuts caught our eye. A deep fried ring of melty, mac ‘n cheesy goodness is the probably the epitome of comfort food. We’re ready to dive right in.

 

Does your bakery sell an outrageous doughnut? Tell us all about it! We love to learn about new, unexpected doughnut flavors.

 

And if you’re ready to step up your bakery’s marketing game, consider printing your logo on the doughnut boxes. Give our experts a call and get started today.

888-321-2248

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