Operating a restaurant can be challenging work. From staffing issues and food quality concerns to customer service needs and costs. As any restaurateur knows, packaging costs can eat away at the budget quickly. Think of all those meals you package up every day that leave for delivery- each wrapped, boxed or bagged requiring its own budget allocation. It all adds up.
One of the first places you can look to tighten your budget is your choice of disposable food containers for your restaurant. These containers might seem like a small detail, but they affect your costs more than you think. They also impact your customers’ experience—nobody likes a takeout order that leaks or falls apart. So, how do you find the right balance?
Know Exactly What You Need
Before you make any changes, take a good look at what you’re using. What kinds of packaging go out the door every day? Are you ordering containers for every single item, or are some of those just leftover from old menus? Knowing exactly what you need helps you avoid waste.
Maybe you have a few dishes that could do without extra packaging or use smaller containers. Sometimes, restaurants pack every item separately, even when it’s unnecessary. Take a moment to think—can you combine some items or use fewer containers? This helps cut down your expenses without sacrificing quality.
Look at the size and shape of your containers too. Are they a good fit for your portions? Too big, and you’re paying for wasted space; too small, and your food might get squished.
Quality Matters More Than You Think
It’s tempting to go for the cheapest containers out there. But cheaper doesn’t always mean better savings. Imagine sending out a meal in a flimsy box, only to have it spill halfway to the customer. You lose food, upset a customer, and end up paying more to replace the order.
Choosing containers that are sturdy and fit for your menu keeps food safe. Sometimes spending a little more upfront means less waste and fewer complaints later. Plus, good packaging makes your restaurant look professional and trustworthy.
Think about what you’re packaging—soups need leak-proof containers, burgers need something that holds up under heat and moisture. Matching the right container to the right food can save you money in the long run.
Buy Smart: Bulk and Relationships
One way to save is to buy your packaging in bulk. When you order a large quantity at once, the price per container usually goes down. But don’t just buy blindly.
Form a relationship with your supplier by discussing your needs with them and seeing if there are discounts or flexible payment terms they can provide. Some suppliers even have offers for regular customers or seasonal deals you could take advantage of!
Additionally, consider shopping around periodically – prices fluctuate rapidly so what was once an outstanding offer may no longer qualify. Don’t be intimidated to negotiate; even just one conversation could go a long way toward reaching the best outcome!
Cut down on waste
Waste is the enemy of every restaurant budget. It’s not just food—packaging waste adds up fast. Think about how many containers might get used unnecessarily because of staff habits or portion sizes.
Train your team on the right way to package orders. For example, don’t automatically add extra napkins or sauce packets unless requested. Use the right size container, so you’re not wasting packaging material.
Keep track of your packaging usage to spot any odd spikes. If one week you’re suddenly ordering way more containers, find out why. Maybe there’s an issue in the kitchen or with takeout orders.
And if you can, encourage customers to bring their own containers for certain items or offer incentives for less packaging. It’s good for the environment and your wallet.
Keep an Eye on Innovations
Packaging is not just about boxes and bags anymore. The industry keeps changing with new materials and ideas. Things like compostable containers or lightweight plastics might sound expensive at first but can save money in other ways.
Newer materials might reduce waste or be easier to store and handle. Some innovations help keep food fresher, which reduces returns and complaints.
Wrapping It Up
Managing costs in a restaurant is like balancing a dozen spinning plates. Every detail counts. Packaging might seem like just a tiny part of the whole operation, but it touches every order you send out. Choosing and managing your disposable food containers for your restaurant wisely can save you money and keep your customers coming back happy.
