‘Secure It’ Sticker Solves Sketchy Situation on the SouthCoast

I never expected to live in a time where take-out was more popular than going out to eat and dining in, yet here we are. It's the year 2021 and the restaurant take-out business is booming, due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The other day I was enjoying a beer and a giant Bavarian pretzel at one of my favorite downtown restaurants in New Bedford when I noticed something different about the to-go orders that were being pumped out of the kitchen. Each bag had a red labeled sticker wrapped around the handles that said "Secure It" on it. Basically, you couldn't open up the bag unless the sticker was ripped or removed, and to be quite honest, I think it's a genius idea.

With all the take-out that's been ordered around the SouthCoast from the beginning stages of the quarantine, I'm surprised that I'm just seeing this now. Apparently, according to the restaurant I was dining at, anyone who orders food online for delivery, whether it's GotChew, Uber Eats, Door Dash, or any service that will be handling your food from the restaurant to your residence, they must make sure the red sticker is attached to the bag. This will ensure the customer that nothing has been tampered with and that their food is safe from prying hands who were looking for a French fry or a chicken tender. I've definitely ordered a six-piece in the past and it showed up with only five pieces in the bag.

Talk about a great way to take the blame off of the delivery driver who is just trying to do their job, but again, why am I just seeing this now? According to the restaurant, all it took was one complaint call to get on board with the sticker saver and I honestly don't blame the business for wanting to do so.

The only downfall now is that I'll be expecting this sticker from everywhere I order to ensure that there was no funny business with my onion rings. I hope every restaurant that offers take-out jumps on board with this concept. There would be far fewer complaints and more fries delivered to the rightful purchaser in the long run.