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MrTakeOutBags.com Foodservice Jesse Harster Blog

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Customer Expectations in the New World of Takeout

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When you think about what your customers want when they order takeout food from your restaurant, the answer should be simple. They want your delicious food delivered right to their door, of course. And while that is naturally the driving factor, there are aspects of that delivery that your customers are hoping to see. Specifically, they want evidence that their meals are being delivered safely and without anyone “sampling” the food while it’s en route. While this has long been a desire for those ordering takeout, the COVID-19 pandemic pushed this idea to the forefront of customers’ minds. But you can help put their minds at ease.


Use tamper evident bags


We can testify that this is one of the most popular defenses taken to keep food secure. A tamper evident carryout bag allows you to fill it with a customer’s order, seal the adhesive, and have it delivered without anyone’s roaming fingers making their way into the food. It’s one of the simplest ways to offer peace of mind. And when your customers receive their order, they will feel good knowing you made sure their food was safe. And if you’re offering beverages too, you can use specialty-made Seal 2 Go beverage carryout bags.


Use tamper evident labels and packaging


Labels are great because they are so versatile. If you’re all out of tamper resistant takeout bags, you can use high-adhesive labels to seal any type of takeout bag. In addition to bags, you can use labels on all sorts of food packaging. Securely seal your soup or salad bowls, your wrapped sandwiches, your burger boxes, and even your pizza boxes. Labels are inexpensive, take up very little storage space, and can be used on a number of different packaging items.

Use tamper evident clamshells containers


Clear clamshells are a staple in any deli and sandwich shop. They’re especially great for non-heated items like premade wraps and sandwiches, or sides like veggies and dips. There was once a time when, if you wanted to secure these clamshell containers, you needed to have a way to heat-seal them closed. But now there is a new design that makes the hinged containers tamper evident without any special equipment.


Customize with your logo


Now is the time to improve your customers’ overall experience, especially when takeout is their only way to enjoy your food. When you custom print a piece of packaging, you turn every delivery into a marketing campaign. You also help improve brand recognition with customers, and they have a positive experience associated with your logo. Custom branded packaging sets companies apart from their competition, so get started today! Give our Packaging Advisors a call at 888-321-2248 to discuss what will work best for you and your business.

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In Branding

Top 3 Easiest Ways to Boost Your Brand

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Around here, we call them add-ons. It’s any low-cost, small footprint item that is easy to print and can be done quickly. These are the type of no-brainer additions that separate the ordinary delis from the extraordinary delis. It’s the simple but professional touch that makes a coffee shop more memorable than the competition. And the best part of all? They’re necessary items for so many food industry businesses. Which means, if you have to buy them anyway, spending just a little more to have the items branded is making that marketing dollar stretch. Take a look at our top three “add-ons” and how they can boost brand recognition for your business.

 

Branded Napkins

Branded Napkins

If you’re selling food or drinks, you have to have napkins. Trust us, there isn’t a single customer out there who wants to wipe his hands on his pants. No, of course you’re going to need napkins, and plenty of them. Take a second to think about just how many napkins your business uses. It’s a lot, right? Now imagine if each and every napkin that a customer reached for had your company logo on it. Whether they’re in your café or digging into a delivered meal, they would see your logo and remember it. Plus, there is the bonus use: when a customer stashes a stack of clean napkins in their glove box or the break room at work. Your logo will show up over and over again. Don’t’ forget, branded napkins can also be cocktail napkins. Or perhaps you’re more of a coaster kind of place?

 

Branded Drink Coasters

Branded Coasters

Make them clever, make them custom-shaped, make them display several different messages, just make them happen! If you run a bar, sure you’re definitely going to want some coasters. And coasters with your bar’s name and logo on there is the perfect step up. But it’s not just pubs that could use drink coasters. Trendy coffee shops are using them, for starters. And we’ve seen a ton of e-commerce companies get custom printed coasters (because the minimum to print is so low, hint, hint) with their logo on it, and give them away with online orders. It’s a great way for your customers to remember you.

 

Branded Stickers

Pattis PastriesLabels, or stickers, are a truly brilliant way for you to get your logo in front of a lot of people. Not to mention, a label can be used several different ways. Have a delivery service? Use it to seal or accentuate the takeout bag. Selling prepared meals at your deli? No problem, put a branded sticker on those meal containers, and no one will forget where they purchased that amazing salad. And just like the branded napkins and drink coasters, stickers require a very low minimum quantity, which means there’s no excuse for not getting started today!

 

Begin boosting your brand today! Call our Packaging Advisors at 888-321-2248 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

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In Branding

The Very Best of 2019’s Branded Packaging

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best branded packaging of 2019

2019 was a year of many memorable moments. But here at MrTakeOutBags.com, it was the year of amazing branded packaging. Truly, this year we saw some of the most exciting, unique packaging projects we’ve ever encountered. To be fair, we always get overly excited about takeout bags and meal prep containers, but still, this year was one for the books. As tough as it was to pick just a few favorites, we did it. Here is the best new branded packaging of 2019.

Sweeteez in Phoenix, AZ

Sweetest Packaging: Sweeteez from Phoenix, Arizona

Peach Mart from Momofuku, NYC

All Around Coolest Design: Peach Mart, a Takeaway Shop from Momofuku, NYC

 

Grain From Newark, DE

Best Use of Color: Grain Craft Bar + Kitchen From Newark, Delaware

 

Oggies – coming soon!

 

Cutest company mascot: Oggies The Pasty & Pie Company – Coming Soon!

 

A-Soshel, Tine & Cellar, and Mikey’s from Wisconsin

Best Trifecta of Sister Restaurants: A-Soshel, Tine & Cellar, and Mikey’s from Wisconsin

 

Cookie Spin from Chicago, IL

 

Best New Ice Cream Cups: Cookie Spin from Chicago

 

We really are grateful for each of our customers, new and old. And we’re excited that we get to help you get your company name out there for all to see. If you’re ready to talk about branding your food service packaging, give us a call today. Packaging experts can be reached at 888-321-2248 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. EST.

 

 

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In Food

Four drinks to help you survive the holiday season

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It’s such a cheery time of year. But it’s also a very demanding time of year for just about everybody. And while we don’t suggest spiking your morning coffee (tempting as it may sound), we do feel that we have a drink to help you through the holiday struggles. Just know when to drink which beverage, and you’ll do fine.

Something boozy

It’s tough to pick just one spiked holiday cocktail as a go-to, but we live for the challenge. Perfect as a reward for surviving another day of Christmas carols, or to use as a signature drink to share with friends at your holiday party, is the mistletoe margarita. It’s a cinch to make, pleases a whole crowd, and perhaps best of all requires no noisy blender.

Image by Brad Holand for Delish

Get the recipe from Delish.

 

Something caffeinated

You have a lot to do before the end of the year. Whether you’re spending a ton of time hunting for the perfect gifts, or you’re working late nights, you need something that’s going to keep you going, yet still feels like a treat. Meet our friend the eggnog latte. You can swap out regular eggnog for a light or soy version if you prefer.

Get the recipe from the kitchn.

Something to keep you sharp

Craving a drink but need to keep your wits about you? It might actually be the only way to get through the annual family political debate that always occurs during dinner. Or you just need a treat that feels indulgent but won’t deter your gift-wrapping abilities. For that we recommend cranberry-rosemary spritzer. It’s got all the flavors of the holiday season, without the hangover.

Image from The Tasting Table

Get the recipe from The Tasting Table.

 

 

Something to keep you healthy

Don’t let the slew of germs flying around knock you out of commission during this crucial quarter. We suggest a regular dose of green tea to keep your immune system happy and healthy. Want something more festive? Peppermint tea is known to help the immune system and reduce stress.

As a business owner, you’re likely to be incredibly busy this time of year. Let us help you with all your packaging needs. We have friendly Packaging Advisors who are ready to walk through everything with you so that you can focus on your business – and on making that mistletoe margarita!

If you’re looking to use up your marketing dollars before the end of the year, consider custom printing with your logo.

Call us today at 888-321-2248

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In Products

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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