5 Takeout Trends That Will Continue Into 2022

Written by Deepi Harish

Throughout the pandemic and beyond, food delivery and takeout experiences have changed for the better. They’ve become more innovative, safe and definitely provided us with greater options.

We’re exploring takeout trends we saw this year that will mosey on into 2022.

Cocktail Kits To-Go

Bringing happy hour home has never been easier. Tons of restaurants have been packing up their signature cocktails into DIY kits. We’re talking upscale cocktails complete with all the premium ingredients and embellishments that you would find when sitting in a stylish speakeasy.

For example, Reid’s Distillery can make anyone an at-home bartender. Their cocktail kits can be customized to your preference and come with all the dehydrated fruits you need to elevate the appearance and taste. They’ll even provide free ice, all you have to do is ask.

Premium Pizza Subscriptions

Pizza subscriptions have grown in popularity over the last year, thanks to the pandemic. General Assembly in Toronto may have started the subscription pizza trend, but other premium pizzerias are joining because well…pizza is life.

B.C’s Bicycle Pizza not only adopted the subscription model, but they also do it with little carbon footprint since they share their kitchen with a cafe and deliver on bicycles.

There is definitely a surging demand for freshly made, frozen pizzas that are several steps above the standard frozen pizza selection found at your local grocery.

At Home Restaurant Experiences

The pandemic forced many restaurants into an ultimatum: adapt to takeout or close. Fine-dining restaurants were never built for takeout but have found new ways to parcel up their dishes to be enjoyed at home.

Aburi Restaurants were among the first to offer elevated cuisine to-go through Aburi At Home. Newly launched PORTA became Ontario’s first Italian meal delivery service, offering restaurant-quality traditional Italian to your door that takes 15 minutes or less to cook.

Whether you’re craving a tapas bar menu, oyster-shucking kit or a tasting menu that highlights seasonal, local ingredients, restaurants have done all the heavy lifting so all you have to do is unpack and serve or cook up the final touches and savour.

Velvet Glove (Winnipeg, MB)

Want turkey but don’t want to prep and cook it? The Fairmont Hotel’s Velvet Glove has you covered.

Starting at $42, turkey packages come with carved turkey breast, cellar vegetable medley, apple and sage stuffing, baked rolls and butter, house-made cranberry sauce, buttermilk mashed potatoes, thyme pan gravy and dessert.

Address: Order yours here. @farmontwinnipeg

At Home Restaurant Experiences

The pandemic forced many restaurants into an ultimatum: adapt to takeout or close. Fine-dining restaurants were never built for takeout but have found new ways to parcel up their dishes to be enjoyed at home.

Aburi Restaurants were among the first to offer elevated cuisine to-go through Aburi At Home. Newly launched PORTA became Ontario’s first Italian meal delivery service, offering restaurant-quality traditional Italian to your door that takes 15 minutes or less to cook.

Whether you’re craving a tapas bar menu, oyster-shucking kit or a tasting menu that highlights seasonal, local ingredients, restaurants have done all the heavy lifting so all you have to do is unpack and serve or cook up the final touches and savour.

Special Occasion Curated Experiences

When celebrating milestones at home, where dinner is the main attraction, the level of detail goes beyond the food. The experience starts with the packaging.

For example, high-end Japanese restaurants line up their dishes in traditional wood boxes and imported fabrics, adding an instant level of sophistication to the experience. Other fine-dining restaurants include precise plating notes, personalized menus and music playlists to create the right ambience.

Some go the extra step by adding complimentary mini spirits or imported sparkling bottled water to their delivery service. The care that goes into each package is what makes it truly special.

Supporting Local Businesses

Neighbourhoods aren’t defined by big-box chains, it’s the one-of-kind eateries that make them special. During the pandemic, we saw thousands of non-chain restaurants and cafes close down; as a result, a major shift to support local increased and will continue to increase to help places remain open.

In fact, on April 15, 2020, Canada Takeout (CT) introduced the first National Takeout Day in support of Canada’s local restaurant industry. CT’s hope is that Canadians will continue to order out from their favourite local spots.

Smoke’s Poutinerie (Multiple Locations)

The original, and largest, poutine chain, where there’s Smoke’s, there’s flavour!

Indulge in their Holiday Poutine, comprised of fries, cheese curds, Smoke’s Signature gravy, roasted turkey, homemade stuffing, green peas, and cranberry sauce. Don’t forget to add a Cranberry Ginger Ale to your order!

Address: For a Smoke’s nearest you, click here. @smokes_poutinerie