To-go containers, cups, lids, bags, and cutlery are a cost every restaurant pays every week, and prices add up fast as takeout and delivery grow. Where you buy depends on how much you order, how often, and whether you need compostable options. Here are five good ways to stock up.
The short answer
- Lasso if you want offers on your regular order without calling around.
- WebstaurantStore if you want a huge online catalog delivered to your door.
- Restaurant Depot if you want to shop in person at warehouse prices.
- US Foods if you already get food deliveries and want packaging on the same truck.
- Good Start Packaging if you want certified compostable containers.
At a glance
| Best for | How it works | What to know | |
|---|---|---|---|
| LassoRecommended | Getting better offers on your regular order | Tell us what you buy once. We go to the right businesses and bring back an exclusive offer. | Free. No credit card. |
| WebstaurantStore | Ordering online | Shop a large catalog with delivery | Optional Plus membership is $99 a month for free shipping on eligible items |
| Restaurant Depot | Shopping in person | Members-only wholesale warehouse | Free membership for qualifying food businesses |
| US Foods | One delivery for food and supplies | Order disposables with your food order | Requires a US Foods customer account |
| Good Start Packaging | Compostable packaging | Order World Centric and other compostable products online | Free shipping on orders of $50 or more |
1.Lasso: one request for your regular order
Most restaurants buy packaging the same way every week: reorder what you bought last time, from whoever you bought it from. Prices change over time, and comparing options is hard to fit in around service.
Lasso does the comparing for you. Tell us what you buy and how often. For example: "Monthly order: 2,000 to-go containers, 1,500 16 oz cups with lids, 1,000 bags." (Try it with your own order.) Our team reaches out to businesses that sell what you need and works out an exclusive offer for your order. You review it, and you buy only if it fits.
Why restaurants use Lasso
- One request covers the whole list. Containers, cups, lids, bags, and cutlery together.
- Offers made for your volume. We work out pricing for how much you buy and how often.
- Free for your business. No fees and no credit card required.
- Your details stay private. We share only what a business needs to make you an offer.
- Quick to start. We usually reply within one business day.
Packaging is a start. Cleaning supplies, smallwares, and kitchen equipment can go on the same list.
Start with Lasso if: you reorder the same packaging every week or month and want to know if you could be paying less.
Reordering packaging soon? Tell us what you use and how often.
Get your first offer2.WebstaurantStore
WebstaurantStore is a large online restaurant supply store with a wide range of to-go containers, cups, and disposables. Its optional WebstaurantPlus membership costs $99 a month and includes free standard shipping on eligible items with a $29 minimum, priority order processing, and member-only products. Plus also includes a savings guarantee: if your yearly savings come in below the subscription cost, the difference is returned as store credit.
Good fit if: you order online often and want a large selection shipped to you.
3.Restaurant Depot
Restaurant Depot is a members-only wholesale warehouse for food businesses. Membership is free for qualifying businesses, which typically need to show a business license, reseller's permit, or similar document. You shop in person and take your order with you.
Good fit if: you have a warehouse nearby and prefer to pick up supplies yourself.
4.US Foods
US Foods is a broadline food distributor. Its Monogram brand includes disposables and cleaning products, such as paper dinnerware and cups, food packaging, and compostable options. Restaurants with a US Foods account can add packaging to their regular food delivery.
Good fit if: you already buy food from US Foods and want fewer deliveries to manage.
5.Good Start Packaging
Good Start Packaging sells compostable food packaging online, including a wide range of World Centric products: fiber to-go boxes, bowls, clamshells, and hot and cold cups. Many items carry compostability certifications such as BPI. Orders of $50 or more ship free, and free samples are available.
Good fit if: your city requires compostable packaging, or sustainability matters to your customers.
How to choose
- Start with your monthly volume. Knowing how much you use of each item makes every quote easier, whether you order online or send one request through Lasso.
- Check your city's rules. Some cities restrict certain plastics or foam. Confirm what is allowed before you stock up.
- Compare the delivered price. Shipping, membership fees, and minimums change the real cost per container.
- Test before you switch. Order samples and check fit, leaks, and heat with your actual menu items.
- Keep a backup source. Shortages happen. Knowing a second place to buy keeps you from running out on a busy weekend.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest way for a restaurant to save on to-go packaging?
Tell Lasso what you buy, including items, quantities, and how often you reorder. Our team contacts businesses for you and brings back an exclusive offer to review, free.
Do I need a membership to buy restaurant supplies wholesale?
It depends where you shop. Restaurant Depot requires a free membership for qualifying food businesses. WebstaurantStore is open to anyone, with an optional paid Plus membership for free shipping on eligible items.
Where can I buy compostable to-go containers?
Good Start Packaging sells World Centric and other compostable products online, and US Foods carries compostable options in its Monogram line. Check product pages for certifications such as BPI.
How can I lower my packaging costs?
Know your monthly volume, compare the delivered price including shipping and fees, and get more than one offer. Lasso can gather offers for your full list in one request.
Does Lasso cost anything?
No. Lasso is free for businesses, no credit card is required, and you buy only if the offer fits.
Ready when you are. Tell Lasso what your restaurant reorders and we will come back with an exclusive offer, usually within one business day.
Get your first offer