mtob, Author at MrTakeOutBags.com Blog

In Products

Special Packaging for Special Items

February 7, 2017 No Comments

While strolling the North Shore neighborhood of Chicago, take time to stop at Three Tarts Bakery in Northfield (19 miles from the City Center) and indulge in fresh baked artisan bread, great cupcakes, beautifully decorated cakes, fluffy quiche, or anything from their sandwich or salad menu. Nothing is mundane, and everything is top notch. Don’t be deterred by the line of customers that sometimes stretches out the door – it’s only proof it’s worth the wait. It’s clear to anyone that has tasted Three Tarts that this is a special place. It’s only fitting, then, that the bakery’s packaging be just as good.

Three Tarts owner Ann Heinz spoke to us about the added value in their custom printed and unique single handle bag. “Our food is special, the bag is special, and people feel special when they’re carrying it,” says Heinz. “People love this bag,” she adds.

three tarts bakery bag — Three Tarts, two sizes, one great bag

One thing making this bag so memorable is its shape. Three Tarts uses what is commonly called an apple bag, in two sizes. It’s called such because it’s primarily used by orchards and farms to sell freshly picked apples. Heinz found that this was the perfect bag for her business. “It’s adorable,” she says. “And it’s different. Plus it works in the fridge, it doesn’t get soggy, and it can be reused. It’s very noticeable, sure, but it’s also very easy to fill and simply works,” explains Heinz. The apple bag’s normal wet strength, heavy grade paper makes it capable of taking a beating while still looking great.

“The people at MrTakeOutBags are great, too,” says Heinz. “I’m greeted with genuine enthusiasm and excitement by the whole team anytime I call in. They’re so friendly, they could be mid-westerners!” (It’s no surprise that Ann herself is as upbeat and personable as they come and everyone at MrTakeOutBags knows her well. She’s been a steady customer for over ten years!)

Next time you’re in the Northfield area of Chicago, do yourself a favor and treat yourself to any of Three Tarts Bakery‘s crusty breads, delicate confections and a coffee, or simply have lunch. Really good eats made by really great people!

three tarts ann and kate — Kate Coyne, left, and Ann Heinz, right.

MrTakeOutBags has been lucky enough to visit Three Tarts Bakery on several occasions and can attest to its greatness. If you get the chance, be sure to check them out!

In Branding

Resolving to Make 2017 a Break-Out Year for Your Business

January 5, 2017 No Comments

Welcome 2017

As we begin the New Year, small business owners are contemplating what the next 12 months holds for them. And many of us will make resolutions to achieve our goals.

Here are a few resolutions that many small business owners may have on the top of their lists. We want to offer a few suggestions on how to tackle them.

Increase Sales (and Profits)

Sounds easy but it generally requires CHANGE. Each business owner needs to start this change process by asking questions and committing to making adjustments.

Some of the adjustments might include:

Work harder, add new products, adjust pricing, change the marketing efforts, and invest in a website to allow customers to buy 24/7/365. On the HR front, get the right people “on the bus” and the wrong people “off the bus.”

How do you start? First of all, get an impartial friend in a non-competing business to spend time with your team brainstorming. Then pick what you believe to be the best options and map out your action plans. Don’t forget to assign one person with responsibility to follow through on each area and then monitor results.

Go Green

Every night you throw stuff into the dumpster and you think about your company’s addition to the earth’s growing carbon footprint. Plus your customers are asking (or at least thinking) more and more about what your business reflects. They’re also noticing packaging or products from recycled materials, and what you do to be more eco-friendly. Pay close attention to your packaging’s sustainability, reusability, composability or recyclability, because your customers sure are.

Now’s the time to show your customers you care about the environment by stocking recyclable, compostable, or biodegradable takeout containers and bags. At MrTakeOutBags.com, we stock a full supply of eco-friendly products from recyclable bags to compostable containers. We even have biodegradable cutlery! Take a look at some options.

Order More Systematically/Save on Shipping

Competition is fierce, so there is little room for waste.

Aim to:

plan better to order more efficiently, less often, yet not too much,
watch inventory and buy more when it makes sense based on lower price points
reduce shipping costs by hitting weight levels that earn discounts
throw away less unused or wrong packaging items, ingredients or product

Did you know you can get a 20% discount when your MrTakeOutBags shipment weighs 200 pounds or more? With this in mind, plan your buys more systematically and aim to combine multiple products on one order. You’ll benefit with lower bills and fewer chances of running out of inventory!

Invest in Your Brand

Your customers will pay a premium when they recognize and value your brand’s promise. So you’ll want to invest in your brand.

There is a lot of work involved with defining your brand. Here’s a blog post by marketing firm Hubspot that outlines some of the steps.

Once you’ve defined your identity, you’ll want to consistently and compellingly convey it with a logo (and perhaps a tag line) that illustrates your brand’s identity.

Be sure to put your logo on all of your signs, bags and packages. Got questions about branded packaging? Give us a call at 888-321-2248.

Praise Your Team More

A positive staff is among the most important contributors to your brand so you’ll want to be sure the team feels energized and appreciated. A great way to encourage this attitude and boost moral is by sincerely praising your team. Letting employees know when they do things well is very important.

Here is a practical way to measure how often you praise your colleagues:

Start the day with 5 coins in your right pocket.
Every time you praise someone, move a coin to the left
Your goal is to have all 5 coins in the left pocket by end of day
Repeat the next day

The New Year brings great promise for improvements in your business. Let us know how MrTakeOutBags can help you achieve your 2017 business resolutions.

In Products

Top 6 Products of 2016

December 20, 2016 No Comments

I’m often asked to identify the hottest, most innovative products in the packaging industry. Here is my list of top products from 2016.

They should continue to be popular & useful well into 2017.

-Jeff Holmes

1. Cube Container

-Reusable (perhaps forever)

-Recyclable (when you’re ready to let it go)

-Freezable, microwaveable, and dishwasher safe

2. Ripple Wrap Coffee Cups

– Absolute best ripple cup on market

– No need to add sleeve or to ‘double cup’

– Distinctly better than the rest

3. Wine Bottle Boxes

-Italian made; extremely high quality and strong

-Beautifully laminated with textured paper

4. Planet Paper Soup Containers

-Natural look and compostable

-Will appeal to your green-sensitive customers

5. Custom Tissue

-Basket/tray liner + sandwich wrappers

-Great for building your brand especially as customers take photos with their cell phones

6. Kraft Baguette Bags with Windows

-Great visual packaging for ‘grab & go’ baguettes

-100% recycled paper

-Natural look with economical price

-Low minimum (500/case)

In Industry

Caterers: Are You Prepared for the Busy Season?

December 2, 2016 No Comments

If you’re a caterer, you know this time of the year is hectic with holiday parties, social events, and professional engagements. So why let packaging slow you down? Between balancing schedules, securing ingredients, and properly staffing for events, packaging should be the easiest thing to check off your list.

First thing’s first, you’re going to need a bag to carry trays of food. You’ll need strong, reliable bags that are up to the task, like these heavy duty plastic takeout bags with reinforced handles. Available in various sizes, these bags are a staple for many catering companies because they can carry clamshell containers, round catering platters, quarter and half trays, and pie or cake boxes.

Feeling festive? No party is complete without a signature cocktail served in the proper disposable drinkware. Whether it’s petite or standard size martini glasses, or classic wine glasses — opting for plastic over glass will make life so much easier. And with these beauties there’s no sacrifice of elegance either. Disposable cups reduce the amount of post-party cleanup, and you don’t have to worry about broken glass while transporting to and from parties. Of course, the mini Martini style disposable glasses always make for a classy presentation for appetizers.

When it comes to transporting food, everyone needs a dependable way to transport quarter, half or full trays. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more satisfying and terrific solution than our reusable corrugated cardboard catering trays. Easily load, haul, and set up small and large portions of food. Cut-out handles make carrying prepared food a cinch. Corner locking tabs lock the trays in place for secure transportation and delivery. The Corrugated Cardboard also helps insulate the food to keep it warm or keep in cool. This is a first class reusable product all caterers should have in their arsenal of tools to help make their lives easier and get the job done nicely.

If you want to stand out from the crowd, go for plates that are both bold and practical, like our new Gala Holdaplate. At a glance it’s just a simple appetizer plate, but one subtle key feature turns them into a brilliant innovation. A side groove on the plate allows you to hold your cup and plate together in one hand so you can shake hands or give out business cards without juggling food and drink. It’s a no-brainer for networkers.

And of course, there’s cutlery. It’s surprising how something so small can speak so loudly about a business. Each person at the party will be using utensils at some point, and they’ll take notice. Cheap cutlery snaps in half even when it’s barely put to the test. Don’t let that be what your guests remember most. Choose heavy-weight instead. Or go for a classic polished silver look with the Reflections disposable cutlery in full size or miniature choices.

See, wasn’t that simple? Now you can take on the rest of your sprawling to-do list.

In Branding

Branding to Stand Out in A Crowded Market

December 2, 2016 No Comments

Pittsburgh’s Strip District neighborhood is a hub of small businesses, and each day it’s buzzing with activity. Penn Ave, which runs through the Strip District, is lined with shops where you can fill your reusable tote bags with fresh produce, authentic Italian pastries, and Pittsburgh-centric souvenirs. At the heart of all this activity is the standout Allegheny Coffee & Tea Exchange.

Eric and Derek - Owners at Allegheny Coffee and Tea Exchange in Pittsburgh PA — Eric and Derek – Owners at Allegheny Coffee and Tea Exchange in Pittsburgh PA

Owners Eric and Derrick knew that in order to stand out among the competition they needed to create a signature look. When you leave the coffee shop with a bag of their signature blend tucked under your arm, you’ll notice that the bag displays the company’s full color custom label.

Making It Easy for Customers to Find the Shop

“Our designers suggested we add all of our business info to the label,” says Eric. The labels include the shop’s physical location, their website, and their phone number. “This way if you have it at home on your counter, and you have friends over who like what you’re serving them, they can just look it up right there on their phone.”

For to go cups, the guys at Allegheny went for the black Ripple-Wrap to distinguish their shop. “It’s a different look, and we stand out because of it,” says Eric. “Most shops serve in the cheap Styrofoam cups, and we don’t want that. Our black cups stand out. People see the cups and inquire, ‘Wow, where did that come from?'”

Not Everything in the Shop Is Customized

Eric and Derrick have thoughtfully chosen what’s customized and what is not, all while paying close attention to brand details and costs.

For information and ideas about how to make your packaging stand out from the crowd, give us a call at 888-321-2248.

In Products

Coffee Cups that Won’t Cause A Stir

December 2, 2016 No Comments

As November arrived several weeks ago, we braced for the annual controversy that has routinely overheated at America’s largest coffee chain: would our country debate the color and symbols on Starbuck’s widely distributed coffee cups?
Yes. 2016 was no different – we got our controversy. Starbucks started by launching a green cup with a mosaic of more than 100 people drawn in a single stroke, meant to convey connections.

And then the roaster was cagey about what its additional holiday cups might display. Lots of people grumbled, and Starbucks once again found itself in a tough spot.

Are you looking for some great looking coffee cups that won’t cause a stir?

Let’s face it, you need cups that will allow you to focus on brewing great coffee and building your brand and especially your repeat customer base – not causing customers to scratch their heads.

Here are some unique ‘winners’ that your customers will love:

Detpak Ripple Pack Paper Coffee Cups

This insulated ripple-wrap paper coffee cup has a distinctive, premium look but wait….there’s more. And because it’s insulated, your customers absolutely won’t need a jacket or to ‘double cup’ their hot drinks. This is THE original ripple cup not one of the imitations that do not do the job nearly as well.

These cups are a pleasure to hold plus they keep your hands as cool as the other side of the pillow.

Available sizes include 8, 12, 16 and 20 oz. They come in black, white and, our most unique popular color: kraft. Our Kraft choice is not created by printing ink on white paper (as are the imitations in the market) but instead made from real natural brown unbleached paper fibers.

Link: http://www.mrtakeoutbags.com/search.html?q=ripple

Planet Plus2 Double Wall Paper Coffee Cups

Looking for distinctive natural looking double wall insulated paper cups that are also 100% compostable? The Planet+ paper coffee cups might be perfect for you to stand out with a “green” choice. There are also coordinating compostable lids that are made from all-natural (plant starch) and sustainable resources.

These premium insulated double wall paper coffee cups feel rigid and perform better (hold the temperature longer and don’t transmit near as much heat to the outside) than other paper coffee cups and are made without petrochemicals (usually used to make the paper cup liner). They are lined with Ingeo PLA film made from plant starches allowing these coffee cups to be fully compostable within 90 to 120 days in commercial composting facilities.

Link to products: http://www.mrtakeoutbags.com/search.html?q=planet

Monaco Thermo Grip Paper Coffee Cups

Are you eco-friendly but still want a unique insulated paper coffee cup?

These environmentally friendly paper hot drink cups have the highest post-consumer fiber content in the industry (25% recycled content) and feature a poly-coated interior. They are printed with eco-friendly, water-based inks.

The Thermo part of these cups comes from the fact there is a double wall that provides air space between the inside cup and the outside of the cup which gives the cup a more solid feel and of course keeps your hand comfortable, and no sleeve is needed!

Links to products: http://www.mrtakeoutbags.com/search.html?q=monaco.

As you prepare for the upcoming hot drink season, be sure to be stocked up on disposable paper cups that will add to your customer’s beverage enjoyment without causing them to yell at their cups.

In Food

Food Hall Days: The Latest Trend in Fast Casual Dining

July 22, 2016 No Comments

Forget what you know about cafeterias, food courts, and mess halls. New-fashioned food halls are popping up all over the country. These dining hotspots feature multiple high-end vendors, sushi bars, and places to grab expertly roasted coffee – all under one roof. By offering lots of options, it’s no wonder why foodies are swarming to these all-in-one halls. Customers aren’t the only one who see the benefits of a food hall, business owners are finding some tasty perks, too.

Smaller space equals smaller overhead
Setting up shop inside a food hall, rather than buying or renting a stand alone property, can save a purveyor thousands of dollars. Because it’s a smaller space to care for, the cost of cleaning, heating, and keeping all things running goes down. Let’s not forget about the cost of rent. That cost goes down when shared with other vendors. Additionally, marketing costs are typically reduced when there is a mother company managing PR.

A central location helps everyone
Simply put: the risk of restaurant failure goes down when people go to a central location. That’s because some people show up to grab a burger, and end up finishing their meal with a handcrafted ice cream sandwich from another vendor. All participating businesses get to ride the coattails of a successful food hall.

Popularity could compete with food trucks
Don’t get us wrong: we love food trucks. But we recognize that food halls are a growing trend, one that could even match the mobile food popularity. Think of food halls as a food truck where everyone comes to you. Plus you never need to stop for gas or worry about parking. Not to mention that an indoor venue makes it a year-round attraction.

And just like food trucks (and caterers, and bakeries, and cafes, and delis, and any other food service, really) there is a need for quality food packaging. MrTakeOutBags.com has the disposable food containers you need for your business, from kraft paper food trays to dessert dishes. And if you really want to stand out from the crowd, consider customized food packaging. Whether it’s coffee cups, takeout boxes, or tissue paper, we can help you create a lasting impression.

photo credit: Mercado Municipal de São Paulo via photopin (license)
(license)

In Products

What’s the Right Packaging for your Food Truck

June 24, 2016 No Comments

It’s that time of year again!

Summer is here and that means tons of outdoor festivals, street fairs, concerts, and community events. At nearly all of these events you’ll find food trucks lining the blocks, ready to serve hungry customers. If you’re one of these on-trend trucks, with a line of eager customers at your window, what type of food truck packaging are you using to serve up your signature food? And furthermore, what is that saying about your company?

How you serve your food says a lot about you. For example, there’s a clear difference between a food truck that uses Styrofoam clamshells or containers and one that uses more eco-friendly natural brown kraft paper food trays. Using the correct takeout container, simple as it sounds, is also key to providing your customers with the best experience. If your food truck dishes out heaps of gooey mac ‘n’ cheese, you’ll be using a sturdier serving container than the food truck that’s selling cupcakes, which in turn will differ from the truck that sells signature soups. Each business has a distinct need, and choosing the right bakery box or catering tray or paper soup cup for your food is just as important as using the right ingredients. For instance, you might have to decide between Bio Pak vs Twin Lock takeout containers for your products.

Should you choose to step up your game, there’s always the option to brand your business with personalized packaging. This helps get your name out there, raises brand awareness, and distinguishes you from the competition. Just see what FoodTruckr has to say about branding in the world of mobile cuisine. Whether it’s custom takeout boxes or custom printed tissue paper, getting your logo out in front of customers is a great way to generate buzz and help potential clients reach you.

Whatever your food truck packaging needs, we’ve got you covered. Check out the special Food Truck supply section on our site, and don’t forget to check out the custom printed logo options!

In Industry

Earth Day 2016 – Guide to Eco Friendly Packaging Icons

April 19, 2016 No Comments

Every day is Earth Day at MrTakeOutBags. We stock a full supply of eco-friendly products from recyclable bags to compostable food containers. We even have biodegradable and compostable cutlery!

We believe in offering a multitude of sustainable items year-round, not just on Earth Day.

It’s not just about what we do carry, though, it’s also about what we don’t provide. We do not offer Styrofoam products that can be harmful to the environment.

Are you thinking of making the switch to greener foodservice items for your company? Now’s the time to show your customers you care about sustainable takeout containers and eco friendly carryout bags by stocking recyclable, compostable, or biodegradable options. Start shrinking your company’s carbon footprint today!

Here’s an infographic that explains our Eco Friendly Packaging icons.

In Food

National French Bread Day – March 21st

March 18, 2016 No Comments

Many people are unaware of National French Bread Day on March 21^st, but the majority of the population won’t hesitate a moment to say Oui! for a chance to savor the crusty-on-the-outside, airy-on-the-inside French staple.

The History Behind French Bread

Also known as a baguette, French bread is a long thin loaf that is made from basic lean dough. It is famous for its length and crispy crust. The French have been making long sticks of bread since the 18^th century, but the baguette didn’t become a French culinary icon until the 20^th century. A new law that passed in 1920 banned bakers from starting their day before 4 am. Out of necessity, bakers had to adjust their work to revolve around bread loaves that could bake quickly and evenly. Baguettes were found to be easy to slice and store, making them the perfect method for baking fresh loaves before the bakery doors opened for the day.

French Bread Fun Facts

The French are notorious for their high standards where the culinary arts are concerned. They have strict requirements for what can be considered French bread and what cannot. French bread can only contain combinations of flour, yeast, salt and water to be considered as such. Most baguettes are about 2-3 feet in length and 3-5 inches in thickness. The famous decorative incision you see on French baguettes is called the grigne. French bread should be a deep golden brown on the outside, the sides should be firm to the touch, and when tapped on the bottom, you should hear a hollow sound. Outside of France, baguettes are made with many other types of flour. In Vietnamese cooking, bread or “banh mi” is made with rice flour, while North Americans make whole wheat, multigrain, and sourdough baguettes in addition to traditional French loaves.

How Can I Celebrate National French Bread Day?

First of all, mark your calendars for March 21^st and celebrate that day by purchasing a baguette from your local shop, or by making some homemade loaves of your own. Gather some salted butter, homemade jam, and champagne, put on some French music and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Paris. Bon appetit!

If you own a bakery or specialty food store, be sure to decorate with the French joie de vivre in mind, and offer a special on French baguettes. And don’t forget to include special packaging. Check out the bakery bread bags from MrTakeOutBags.com. We offer styles with artisan motifs, as well as bags with windows to display your delicious baked good.

Although French bread was first made out of necessity rather than choice, this style of loaf is now enjoyed and loved by millions around the world. Don’t forget to break bread with your loved ones this March 21^st!

MrTakeOutBags.com Foodservice mtob Blog

Three Tarts owner Ann Heinz spoke to us about the added value in their custom printed and unique single handle bag. “Our food is special, the bag is special, and people feel special when they’re carrying it,” says Heinz. “People love this bag,” she adds.

Welcome 2017

Increase Sales (and Profits)

Go Green

Order More Systematically/Save on Shipping

Invest in Your Brand

Praise Your Team More

1. Cube Container

2. Ripple Wrap Coffee Cups

3. Wine Bottle Boxes

4. Planet Paper Soup Containers

5. Custom Tissue

It’s that time of year again!