Creating Top Notch Take-Outs

With soft grass under their feet and sunshine at their backs, customers have embraced the idea of selecting a take-out menu that suits today’s mood and carrying it to a destination of choice for their dining pleasure. Eating out has taken on a whole new meaning, it’s no longer limited to a fixed menu that must be enjoyed at only one location. Savvy restaurant owners have recognized that grab-and-go is here to stay. Chefs across major cities and owners of popular rural bakeries have the opportunity to attract clients who view the carryout food option as an important alternative to traditional restaurant dining. What was once perceived as a side service has now arrived front-and-center. Classing up the grab-and-go option gives restaurant owners the chance to share the best their kitchen has to offer while customers get to pick the dining location that suits them.

As the takeout travels so does the brand. With customers moving across town or across a property with a take-out in hand, the package itself becomes a focus. Think of it as a party on the move. It’s a new opportunity to make an impact. What does the container look like? Is it casual, fun, or formal? What impression will the contents leave, are they reusable, environmentally friendly? Are all the items disposable or do you plan to include unique elements they can enjoy again?

Imagine a relaxing experience. Carryout doesn’t have to mean paper-thin napkins shoved inside a crumpled white bag. As a preferred dining style, a top-notch take-out can combine great food in a relaxed and safe atmosphere. This is a chance to be intentional around the full experience, from the food to dining location options, and the unique contents inside each to-go order.

Where views and verandas abound. With access to beautiful scenery and the invitation of private settings, resorts and hotels have the chance to offer a new experience around the grab-and-go. When guests prefer to eat outside rather than remain in their hotel suite or dine in the restaurant, they can be encouraged to enjoy a fireplace on the patio or spread out across the property. Cozy corners, an expansive lawn, and private hide-aways will be attractive.

Here are a few different ideas on what to include in your stylish carryout:

A mid-afternoon treat. Add a splash to the afternoon by combining a custom bottle opener together with a favorite regional microbrew, sparkling water or kombucha, nestled beside folded napkins. Be creative with a homemade snack mix of sweet and salty delights placed inside a reusable bag, and you've got a lively getaway.

When wine tasting is on the menu. Match your featured wine with an elegant hand-stitched bar towel. For openers, add a forged metal corkscrew with wine goblets to blend unique textures. Pair the wine with a taste of aged Manchego or Brie, along with classic crackers or pretzels, for a winning recipe to unwind. Perfect for a sunset view or blanket on the beach.

Bring along brunch. Homemade granola, fresh fruit, and a steaming mug of coffee or mint tea can start the day off right. Select a colorful pouch to hold the granola and reuse it on your next adventure. If bread is your go-to option, wrap a few slices, pack a dash of honey, a sprinkle of sea salt, and flavored butter tucked inside a basket to make it a glorious day.

Have fun with the packaging. Imagine different options for your carryout container. It can be as easy as a sturdy paper bag with your logo and a ribbon attached or use a bucket with whiskey cups for casual fun. If you’re going for a more upscale look, tie a hand-lettered tag to a classic basket filled with goodies.

The shift to customers being in control of their carryout food choice, along with their preferred location to enjoy it, is an opportunity. Be thoughtful and creative in considering what’s in and on this traveling party, and how you can encourage interesting destinations. Grab-and-go has become the here-and-now, and it will be fun to see how we can make the most of it. Of course taste-testing will be required!

Bon Appetit!