MrTakeOutBags.com Foodservice mtob Blog

We love a good vanilla and chocolate swirl ice cream as much as the next person, but sometimes we long for something edgier. This summer we’re scoping out some of the wildest ice cream flavors we can find. These are just a few of the bold flavor combinations that can be found around the country.

Little Baby’s Ice Cream

Originating in Philadelphia and expanding with locations now in Baltimore and Washington DC, Little Baby’s Ice Cream exists for the purpose of premium ice cream with surprising twists on ingredients. While you’ll see flavors like Bourbon-Bourbon Vanilla and Chocolate Speculoos on the menu board, you’ll also find rotating flavors like Everything Bagel (with pieces of bagel and all the seasonings), cucumber dill (a surprising favorite), and Earl Grey Sriracha.

Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream

Head to Manhattan’s Lower East Side for a creative treat this season. At Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream shop you can get scoops of Rocky Road or Strawberry, sure. Or you can opt for something more exotic. Try the Tahini Caramel or the Vietnamese Coffee. Looking for something more adventurous? Go for salt and pepper pinenut instead.

Salt & Straw

If you’re on the west coast you’ll want to check out Salt and Straw, which has locations in Portland, Seattle, LA, San Diego, and San Francisco. These shops are scooping flavors like Goat cheese Marionberry Habanero, Pear and Blue Cheese, or Black Olive Brittle and Goat Cheese. Some flavors overlap while others are signatures to one location. That just means you’ll have to hit up each location this summer!

Do you run an ice cream shop? Make sure you stay stocked during your busy season! We supply ice cream cups, of course, but also disposable spoons, napkins, and custom printed tissue to wrap around cones.

Can’t find what you need? Want to chat with someone about branding? We have Packaging Advisors who can help with stock and custom orders. Give them a call at 888-321-2248 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST.

National French Fry Day

One of our favorite holidays is National French Fry Day on July 13^th. Okay, so it’s not technically a real holiday, but that’s not going to stop us from celebrating! If your restaurant, café, or food truck is slinging these salty snacks, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared with the right packaging.

Classic

To those who keep it simple with a classic order of French fries: we salute you! Sometimes a fried potato is all that’s needed, no toppings, no extras, just salt. Thankfully, there’s a bag for that – and it comes in two sizes. We feature a square bottom so that they are able to stand up, like a mini brown paper lunch bag. And because they’re grease resistant, you don’t have to worry about oils soaking through to your customers’ hands. These eco-friendly bags are also biodegradable, recyclable, and compostable.

Kicked up

Of course, there are also those who take French fries to a new level with creative toppings. If this is more your pace, you’ll want to make sure you have something that accommodates all that extra cheese, meat, and sauce. When you have a customer who is going to dig into the fries right away, paper food trays (also known as paper food boats) are your answer. Available in red and white plaid or natural brown kraft, these trays are sturdy enough to take on some of the heaviest side dishes. If you want to double-down on protection from messy foods, try using a waxed deli sheet to line the paper trays.

Have customers who are taking the fries to go? Give them a box that will travel well while keeping the food hot but not soggy. Snack packs with vents will do the trick!

Custom

If you’re looking to get your company’s name out there, consider putting your logo on any number of items. Options include the fry bags, food trays, and vented takeout boxes mentioned above. One of the most economical options is custom printed waxed food tissue. Other options include fry scoops or cups, and vented takeout boxes.

And remember, all of these items work well for lots of side dishes, not just fries. We would hate to exclude other fried appetizers like onion rings, mozzarella sticks, or popcorn chicken.

So, whether you’re a French Fry purest, or a Mile High Fry Topper, be sure to have your bags, trays, boxes, scoops, cups and tissue ready for the celebration on National French Fry Day.

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.

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

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

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

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.