Consumer Trends

Which restaurants have the best takeout packaging?

Just-released Technomic data reveals which brands consumers say have the highest-quality to-go containers.
Photograph: Shutterstock

Off-premise orders—including takeout, drive-thru and catering—now make up 38% of restaurant sales, or nearly $200 billion. And off-premise continues to grow, providing a prime opportunity for operators to nab incremental sales.

But nobody wants to dig into a soggy salad or munch on a pile of cold french fries, no matter how convenient.

That’s why using appropriate and effective takeout packaging is key in driving repeat off-premise business. Newly released 2018 numbers from Technomic Ignite consumer data reveal which full-service and limited-service chains diners say are doing the best job with to-go containers. Here are the restaurants consumers say have packaging that keeps food the proper temperature, doesn’t leak and otherwise performs well, along with the percentage of diners giving the brand high marks.

Full-service chains

10. Olive Garden, 56%

9. Bonefish Grill, 56.5%

8. Joe’s Crab Shack, 57.4%

7. Carrabba’s Italian Grill, 58%

6. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, 58.3%

5. First Watch, 58.3%

4. Mellow Mushroom, 59.6%

3. Ruth’s Chris, 60%

2. Pappasito’s Cantina, 60.8%

1. Maggiano’s Little Italy, 63.9%

 

Limited-service chains

10. Newk’s Eatery, 64.8%

9. Firehouse Subs, 65.6%

8. Krispy Kreme, 65.8%

7. Jet’s Pizza, 67%

6. Jamba Juice 67%

5. Jimmy John’s, 68.6%

4. Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, 68.7%

3. Chick-fil-A, 70.8%

2. Papa Murphy’s Pizza, 71.9%

1. Marco’s Pizza, 72.3%

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