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MrTakeOutBags.com Foodservice Jesse Harster Blog

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How to: Create the Perfect Catered Lunch

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It’s a very busy time of year for you caterers. There are weddings, company picnics, graduation parties, business outings – the list goes on and on! You don’t need us to tell you that the food is the most important part of catering success. That’s all you guys. What we can help with is making sure the presentation is up to par and helps enhance your customers’ overall experience. Here are some trade secrets that will be sure to boost your curb appeal.

Use the right box

You already know that you need the right size box. You certainly don’t want to jam food into something too small, just like you don’t want to get a box that’s too big for the prepared meals you’re serving. If you need help deciding what size will best suit your needs, give one of our Packaging Advisors a call to discuss options and samples.

It’s important to note that if you’re serving fried food you need a box that has vent holes. This keeps the food hot but allows steam to escape, leaving everything nice and crispy. Because no one likes a soggy French fry.

You’ll also want to match up the box style to the event. With a variety of colors and prints available, you can play to your customers’ aesthetic as a way to elevate the presentation.

Traveling with prepared meals rather than cooking on-site? Be sure to opt for stackable meal boxes. They make transportation a breeze!

Present with Pizzazz

One painfully easy way to add a pop of color is with bags. Whether it’s lunch sacks for handheld snacks like popcorn, or you need something strong like the glassine-line gourmet bags, color can help set you apart. Anyone can put treats into a small brown paper bag, but where does that get you? Playful colors help tie into themed events while rich hues can increase you customers’ perceived level of value.

Whatever you end up doing at your next catered event, we can help with the packaging and the presentation. Just give our advisors a call and they can help you figure out the best items to suit your needs. They can be reached at 888-321-2248 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST.

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In Branding

Break out the Red, White, and Blue Packaging

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It’s Red, White and Blue Season!

It’s not too early to order now for the picnic season. Get yourself and your business in the spirit with some of our favorite red, white, and blue items. They’re sure to give your event a whole lot of patriotic holiday flair.

Red

 

Corrugated paper coffee cup sleeves

That’s right, they come in red now, too! Dress up your coffee cup with a colorful jacket. Available for 12, 16, and 20 oz cups.

Red Insulated Ripple-Wrap Coffee Cups

Prefer to skip the sleeve and go right to a double wall hot drink cup? We got you covered with the vibrant ripple-wrap coffee cups in red. Available in 8, 12, and 16 oz sizes.

 

Red Pinstripe Gable Boxes

Add a bright pop of color to your next box lunch or catered event with these pinstripe barn boxes. Available in three sizes.

Stackable Handled Lunch/Cupcake Boxes

For those who want an even more elegant look, reach for the Really Red box. Their stackable feature makes them perfect for catering.

1/2 pound Red Gloss Tin Tie Bags

Whether you’re selling coffee, baked goods, or even candy – these glossy red bags offer a great flash of color. Also available in 1 pound size.

Red Gloss Paper Shopping Bags

Ideal for gifts but also great for takeout, these eye-catching shopping bags will help your business stand out.

Really Red Merchandise Bags

These vivid bags add a lot of pizazz when packaging up wine or bread.

White

Dopaco White Paper Soup Cups

Classic white paper soup cups may look like an everyday item, but pair them with red and blue packaging and it will show off your patriotic side.

Matte White Tin Tie Coffee Bags

Opt for a fresh and sophisticated look with these clean white tin tie bags. Fill with coffee, candy, or pastries. Available in 1/2 pound, 1 pound, and 2 pound sizes.

White Paper Shopping bags/Double bottle Wine Bags

These twisted paper handle bags are not only sleek but also durable. They can hold two bottles of wine, or an assortment of retail items.

White Gable Boxes

Available in a variety of sizes, these classic white barn boxes add a tasteful touch to any occasion.

White Carry-Out Meal Boxes

Easy to use and especially great for fried food because of the vent holes, these white carry-out boxes are a must have for many restaurants. Available in three sizes.

Blue

 

Blue Ripple Paper Coffee Cups

Stand out from all the other coffee shops and bakeries with these rich blue insulated cups. Available in three sizes.

Navy Blue Crinkle Cut Shred

Fill your gift baskets and gift bags with this eye-catching blue paper shred. It will help cushion fragile items while enhancing the look of your presentation.

Navy Blue Matte Paper Shopping Bags

A deep, rich blue gives these little shopping bags a level of sophistication. Perfectly sized for gifts and small takeout orders, these are a go-to for a variety of shops and cafes.

Reusable Grocery Bags

Customers will love your reusable tote bag, especially this navy blue one!

 

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In Branding

Why it’s Time to Slap a Label on it

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We hear from a lot of business owners who want their logo put on all their packaging. They want everything from takeout bags to plastic cups to bear their business name. And we can’t blame them – it’s excellent marketing! But it isn’t always economical for a start-up company to brand each piece of packaging with a logo. Whether it’s a matter of initial costs or the required minimums, we understand that there need for more options in branding. That’s why we love custom-printed stickers.

Diverse Uses

One of the things that makes branded labels so popular is that they’re versatile. For example, we works with a fast casual restaurant who uses printed labels. They slap their labels on takeout salad and poke bowls as well as prepared food containers and paper takeout bags. They found the minimum number of units required to print their clear salad bowls was more than what they needed. After some brainstorming we realized their other packaging was plain and un-printed, just begging to be branded. It wasn’t long before we discovered that custom printed stickers was the best solution. The owner was able to put them on nearly all his packaging, creating moving billboards on each order that left his restaurant.

Low Minimums

Since the minimum to print is low, and the required storage space for stickers is hardly anything, it’s easy for new companies to invest in this type of branding. Branded labels allow companies to get their name out there onto a lot of items and in front of a lot of potential customers, without the commitment needed for, say, printed plastic takeout bags. Plus printing capabilities for stickers are quite remarkable, which means a label that is a true representation of your company’s logo design.

Extra Advertising

Adhering a sticker to everything that is going out the door takes a little bit of extra time and effort.  And there will come a time when it’ll make sense to progress into printed cups, tissue, wraps, boxes, and bags. Until then, stickers are a great way to help start-ups to begin branding their food packaging early in their business development.

Think labels are right for you and your business? Then give our Packaging Advisors a call. They can chat with you about different options. They can be reached at 888-321-2248, Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 6 pm EST.

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In Food

This Summer’s Most Anticipated Food Truck Events

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Summer is officially here, and so is food truck season! It’s also the perfect time of year for a road trip. We found some of the best food truck events the country has to offer. Plan your summer trip around them, or see if there is one in your own backyard! So what are you waiting for? Go rent or buy a camper for yourself, drive those roads, find those food trucks, camp at those locations, and live the life you want to live.

Vendys NYC

coconut crusted hotcakes by Moon Man – courtesy of The Vendys instagram

The Vendys are an annual New York staple. Each year roughly two dozen of the best trucks are rounded up to battle for the title of Food Truck of the Year (as well as Best Rookie, Best Dessert, and People’s Choice). Sample authentic street food and gourmet creations from a variety of talented chefs and decide for yourself who deserves the Vendy Cup.

Columbus Food Truck Festival

courtesy of Columbus Food Truck Fest instagram

In Columbus the food truck event is so big that it spans two days. There’s plenty to do, too. Chow down on street fare while you check out local merchants and crafters. Added bonus: live music on multiple stages. Whatever you do, make sure you show up hungry – this event features upwards of 50 vendors!

Seattle Street Food Festival

courtesy of Seattle Street Food Fest instagram

Over in the Pacific Northwest you’ll find the Seattle Street Food Festival. You’ll find an amazing variety of food to taste spread across 4 blocks and two days. More of a night owl? Stick around for their special Moonlight Night Market on Saturday evening.

Are you a vendor at a food festival? Make sure you don’t leave anything behind! Check out our full checklist of necessary supplies from MrTakeOutBags. And remember to consider what your customers will need in order to have the best experience. Does your food truck serve saucy, messy finger food? Make sure you’re fully stocked in quality napkins then. Or perhaps you need a sturdy paper boat to serve nachos, tots, and fries.

If you really want to take your look from average food truck to memorable curbside bistro, consider printing your logo on the packaging you use the most. Food tissue, for example, can be used for so many different items and can have a real impact on customers when it has your brand on it. With our new printed food tissue program, custom branding is easier than you think.

Give us a call! Our team of Packaging Advisors can help you get your logo on all kinds of packaging. Whether it’s a simple yet powerful jumping off point, like stickers, or a cohesive collection of items, we’re here to help you with brand recognition.

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In Branding

Customizing Collectibles for Locals and Tourists

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Located in Cocoa Beach, Florida is a very distinct café. Juice N Java is a place you can pop in for a coffee and a sandwich, or to catch a local band’s set. Its unique flair and friendly staff make it a favorite among natives as well as the town’s many visitors. It’s that intersection of loyalty and curiosity that helps the café thrive. It’s no wonder, then, that there would be a lot of focus on custom branding.

Jenny Pruett, along with her husband, own Juice N Java. Pruett told us about how she ended up with some of the most noticeable coffee cups around.

“We used to use a plain cup and a printed sleeve, but our vendor could no longer supply them,” she says. “When I spoke with [MrTakeOutBags Packaging Advisor] Evelyn, she sent me some samples of new cups. I thought it was cool that I could do a full color print with these. I could do whatever I wanted!”

Bold Design

“I’m good friends with Rick Piper, the artist who does all our graphic work and the flyers for the shows that we have here,” explains Pruett. “I thought we’d just do a black cup with a logo on it, but he suggested we do something much cooler since we had the ability to do whatever we wanted with these cups.”

The result was three different, eye-catching designs. One for each size coffee cup used in the café. “Why not mix it up?” Pruett asks. “People can pick out which one they like the best – even collect them.” She also hints at the possibility of a holiday-themed cup later in the year.

Unified Branding

The stylish marketing doesn’t stop at coffee cups. The Juice N Java logo is also hot-stamped on their paper sandwich bags, and printed on their wax paper basket liners. All of which creates a cohesive brand.

“We brand a lot of merchandise,” says Pruett. “Shirts, hats, mugs, tumblers, key chains – even hot sauce. My husband and I always wanted to franchise we just haven’t done it yet. We’ve put a lot of effort into the brand and generating brand recognition.”

Clearly it’s working. “We have great local support here, but it’s also a tourist destination. So we get tourists who make sure to pick up some merch while they’re visiting,” Pruett explains.

Next time you’re in Cocoa Beach, be sure to grab a latte and pick up some memorabilia while you’re there.

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In Products

Is Your Meal Prep Packaging BPA-free?

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There are a lot of conversations happening recently about BPA and BPA-free products. Many items, including water bottles and food containers, are being brought into question. But it seems there is still some confusion surrounding BPA, so we wanted to help clear up a few things.

First off, what is BPA?

Very basically, BPA is a chemical (bisphenol-A). It’s found in some plastics, but can also be used as a liner in metal cans and in dental sealants.

Why is it important?

According to the Mayo Clinic, “exposure to BPA is a concern because of possible health effects of BPA on the brain, behavior and prostate gland of fetuses, infants and children. Additional research suggests a possible link between BPA and increased blood pressure.”

While the FDA reports that BPA is safe at low levels, it’s important to know that, in some cases, it can transfer into food from a container.

What are the alternatives?

Keep in mind that BPA has not been banned in the making of food containers. But there are manufacturers who have made the commitment to produce items that are BPA-free. Among them is CuBE Plastics, makers of the very popular reusable food containers.

Ask any professional Meal Prep business owner and they’ll tell you that these are the go-to containers for packaging prepared meals. For starters, they’re microwavable, but also freezer and dishwasher safe. A leak-resistant barrier makes them a favorite for companies selling prepared food. They’re durable, which makes them a perfect container for using over and over again.

CuBE Plastics goes beyond just making a tough, reusable container, though. These plastic takeout boxes are made of FDA-approved materials and are completely BPA-free. Since they come in a variety of sizes and exclusive colors, if you’re looking to package your food in a BPA-free plastic container, this is the industry’s favorite option!

What about caterers?

Good news, CuBE is not the only manufacturer committed to BPA-free products. All of our Sabert serving trays, serving bowls, and serving utensils are made without the use of BPA. Looking for BPA-free clear salad bowls? Look no further than our WNA Caterline. Your customers will be happy to learn that none of these items are made with plastics containing BPA.

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In Products

Springtime Brings Fresh Products to MrTakeOutBags

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Spring is in the air, and with it comes some exciting new product offerings to the MrTakeOutbags line-up.

Citrus Green Takeout Boxes

We’re excited to introduce this new line of ventable paper food containers. These citrus green takeout boxes are exclusive to MrTakeOutBags, so you won’t find them anywhere else. The bright, fresh color is eye-catching and it’s a great way to help your restaurant, deli, or food truck stand out. People will be sure to notice these green boxes. Additionally, they are expertly designed with four flaps to create a secure top closure. Push-in vents allow you to package hot food without worrying about it getting soggy. Air escapes through the steam holes, keeping food out but stopping unnecessary condensation. Available in three sizes: #1 snack pack, #4 meal box, and #8 large meal box.

Colorful Paper Eco Sleeves

Want to add a splash of color to your plain white coffee cups? These exclusive new sleeves will do just that, all while protecting your customers’ hands from the heat transferred from hot drinks. Their heat-activated glue tabs secure the sleeve so that it stays on a hot drink cup  – no slipping or sliding off the cup. Available in 4 classic colors: Chocolate Brown, Citrus Green, Black, and Red.

 

 

½ lb. and 1 lb. Natural Kraft Block Bottom Coffee Bags with Valve

These bags are perfect for coffee shops and coffee roasters to package whole bean or ground roast coffee. They also work well for tea, granola, popcorn, pet treats, cereal, salt, beef jerky, candy, and rice. With a four seam block bottom that enables them to stand on their own, these Kraft coffee bags are excellent for display. Not only that, they also have a built-in valve that prevents the build-up of CO2 by allowing air to go out, but keeps air from getting in. The bag’s liner works as a moisture barrier that seals in freshness and prevents grease (like coffee’s natural oils) from escaping. Additionally, the tamper evident seal allows retailers to display the bags with confidence. Designed with a tear notch and re-sealable zipper closure for added convenience.

 

Curious about any of these items.

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In Branding

Our Favorite Custom Packaging: Bakery Edition

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Some of our sweetest custom packaging

Custom-printed packaging is important for every business, and that includes bakeries. It can help get a company’s name out there, or increase brand recognition, and ideally it will drive traffic to your location. So we hand-picked a few of our favorite custom orders to share because we found them to be smart, eye-catching, and unlike their competitors.

River Oaks 

Branding is at its best with the same logo printed across multiple platforms.

Perhaps the strongest, most successful way to get your name out there is with cohesive branding across multiple items. This demonstrates a consistency in style and an emphasis on brand recognition. And it increases the chances of being noticed when a business has their logo on various packaging products.

Bon Glaze

Does your packaging leave a lasting impression?

Be distinct, be unique, and create custom printed packaging that perfectly reflects your brand, its style, and its message. Stand out from the competition with all-over printing. This also ensures that the custom logo is seen from any angle. An allover design adds a certain liveliness to any packaging, and is sure to be memorable to all who see it.

Sweet Tooth Bakery

Go bold with full bleed color in your company’s specific Pantone hue.

Does your bakery or cafe have a Pantone color in the logo? If so, you’ll want to make sure that your perfectly picked pigments remain consistent throughout all your branding, including your custom packaging. Picture it: a customer walking down the street carrying your instantly recognizable box, the one that matches your bags and your logo and your website. Perfect harmony!

Portland Patisserie

Sometimes the boldest look is also the simplest one.

A logo doesn’t need to be complicated  to be fancy. Many of our favorite designs are simple, striking, and memorable. Take, for example, the Portland Patisserie, which has white film hot stamped onto black pastry boxes. The image is clear and the bakery’s name is easy to read.

Interested in learning more about how to create custom packaging for your business? Call one of our packaging specialists at 888-321-2248.

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In Products

Pop Quiz: How Well Do You Know Your Eco-Friendly Icons?

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Everyday is Earth Day at MrTakeOutBags.com!

In case you haven’t noticed, we here at MrTakeOutBags.com are committed to reducing our carbon footprint. That’s why we offer eco-friendly packaging options. Check out our compostable food containers, 100% recycled brown bags, and cutlery that is biodegradable and compostable. It’s also why we do not offer any Styrofoam products.

We take pride in what we offer, not just because of the quality of products, but also for their sustainability. So this April we want to wish everyone a happy Earth Day!

To help guide you to the environmentally-conscious packaging you need for your business, we use icons that highlight an item’s special features. It can sometimes be a lot to keep track of, so we’ve created a handy infographic that explains what each “green” icon means.

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In Branding

Custom Printing for Retail

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We spend a lot of time on this blog talking about food packaging and food trends. But we know that custom-printed packaging is just as beneficial in the retail world as it is in the restaurant industry. Trust us, we got our start in retail!

That’s why we were so excited to work with best friends Kristin and Amy on custom bags for their unique clothing line and shop, Evelyn Blu. Based in a 1969 Air Stream trailer, Evelyn Blu is designed to bring the shopping experience directly to the customer.

Small Space, Big Allure

“The trailer is a complete store,” says co-owner Kristin Sobrel. “There is a sitting area, two long racks of clothes, and two dressing rooms.” Sobrel explains that they team up with different restaurants around town, or cater to home parties. “It was important to us that we put our logo on the bags we use so that people know how to find us again,” she says.

They made sure that the look of the paper shopping bag reflected the look of the boho chic clothing line. “We love the relaxed look of the kraft paper,” says Sobrel. “It’s reminiscent of butcher paper and just has this homegrown feel to it that we couldn’t resist. It’s simple yet beautiful and looks like something that was hand-stamped. It goes with our style and helps us get our name out there.”

Evelyn Blu recently celebrated its first anniversary. We love having the opportunity to work work with growing companies, especially when we get to help them promote the brand they’ve worked so hard on. If you’re ready to have your logo on your packaging, give our advisors a call! They’re ready to help make it happen.

We’re here to help: 888-321-2248 – Monday – Friday – 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST

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