How to Choose the Right Disposable Restaurant Supplies

Foodbuy Foodservice Can Help You Narrow Down Purchasing

Taking your meal to go? Nothing ruins the takeout experience like a container that gets too soggy or doesn’t contain your meal. The disposable products you use in your foodservice operations can make a big impact on customers. Follow these steps when choosing programs for disposable restaurant supplies.

1. Find Supplies That Fit Your Menu

Every menu is a little bit different. You want to make sure that your disposable restaurant supplies fit the needs of your dishes. That means, first looking at your dishes that are the most difficult to adapt to takeaway orders.

Many restaurants face these takeaway challenges:

Containing liquid items to avoid leakage. For example, packaging soups, stews, and smoothies.

Packaging dry elements of dishes separately from wet products. For example, keeping ramen noodles and broth separate.

Making sure that food can be transported at the correct temperatures. For example, providing the right containers for ice cream or sherberts.

The main goal of takeaway containers is to maintain food quality in transit. That means you’ll want to assess your menu needs before choosing your disposable restaurant supplies.

2. Determine How Your Products Will Be Disposed Of

Sustainability is often top of mind with consumers. That focus even applies to your disposable restaurant supplies. Many consumers request disposable items that are either recyclable or compostable.

If you’re considering these options, you’ll want to determine which types of materials make the most sense for your business model. First, determine which disposable processes you have access to onsite. There’s no point in offering compostable cups and cutlery if you don’t have a way to compost from your property.

Next, try to gauge what your customers are interested in. Are your recycling bins often ignored or filled to the brim? Do you receive requests for alternate disposable options? These hints can guide your purchasing decisions.

3. Choose Your Ideal Look

When it comes to disposable restaurant supplies, looks do matter. Any items that hold food for guests need to look appealing. But beyond that basic requirement, you want to find disposable products that fit your brand image and standards.

When choosing from purchasing programs, you’ll want to review options for materials, colors, and designs, to make sure you find the right fit. Some suppliers may even offer customizable options so that you can add your company’s logo and brand colors to every item. That way, your restaurant can make a positive impression with every disposable item’s use.

4. Save Room for Catering Supplies

While your business may have reusable catering supplies for high-end events, some businesses also have a need for disposable versions. Disposable catering supplies are a good option for restaurants that want to cater to groups, but don’t have the resources to offer full catering services. The solution is often to instead offer menu items that can accommodate large groups.

For example, a restaurant might offer a tray of deli sandwiches or family-style setups for tacos. If you plan to offer these menu items, you’ll need catering containers that you won’t be able to get back.  Disposable restaurant supplies are the answer. For these items, you’ll want to look for materials that are strong enough to hold large amounts of food and that are well-insulated to retain optimal temperatures.

5. Plan Your Purchasing Strategy

Once you understand your needs, you’re ready to take the next step. Foodbuy Foodservice can help you create the ideal buying plan for disposable restaurant supplies, as well as food, beverages, and even services.

Ask your account manager about disposable programs today.