Doggie Bags aren't something that most people in the industry give much thought to; a guest has left overs and wants them wrapped, so you either take it and wrap it for them or provide them a container and let them wrap it themself.

It seems to me that the higher end restaurants take the food and return it to you wrapped, and more casual places simply provide you with a container to do it yourself. Not too much thought given, and not any real make-or-break business transaction, right?

However, it may have more impact than you think. I have two issues with doggie bags, and I find it does affect my decision on where to eat and who gets my money. Most likely people are making that decision regarding your business as well.

The first issue I had was at a wine country location, in a resort's restaurant - and quite a fine one I might add. It was at a fairly large event where fixed menu dinner was served. I was not hungry and had a virtually untouched plate. I asked the server if it could be wrapped, and she immediately replied "of course" and whisked it away.

About 10 minutes later it had not been returned, so I inquired. She reappeared a minute later with a lovely box, nicely sealed up. Imagine my surprise later that evening when I opened the box up to find a more than half eaten meal dumped into the box. A pretty disgusting surprise. I now find that regardless of the establishment's reputation I prefer to wrap the food myself.

The other issue, that I find has been coming up increasingly, is what choices a place makes for their packaging. I won't use styrofoam to take leftovers home. (I try not to ever use styrofoam, and find that it effects all kinds of purchases, not just food). I also am really aware of over-packaging. I asked for a picked egg at a deli a couple weeks ago and it was going to be completely packaged up, in a plastic cup with plastic lid (for 1 egg!) I asked the server to just hand it to me on a napkin.

Further, the choices a restaurant use for packaging affects how I view the establishment, and if their choices aren't moving in a green direction, I am not likely to return. And I am not alone, more and more people are choosing where to spend their money based on issues other then just the quality of the food and service.

For more information/education on the impact of restaurants on the earth & environment, visit the green restaurant association: www.dinegreen.com 

What is your company doing to try to be kinder to the environment? Email me and let me know! margie@otlconsulting.com

- Margie

www.OTLConsulting.com