Where Did The Doggie Bag Come From?

Periodically I see something random that makes me wonder.  That happened the other night while I was sitting at Eichman’s Bar and Grill putting my leftover chicken in my ‘doggie bag.’  Where and when did this practice start?  I found the answer for you.

Before I researched it, my wife and I both took a guess.  She said the 1950s or 60s and I said somewhere around the 20s.  We were both wrong.

According to Smithsonianmag.com, it was the ancient Romans who began this practice.  Guests would bring napkins to dinner to keep their hands and mouth clean between courses as to not offend others.  They later started using the napkins to package food to carry home.

During food-shortages in World War II, Americans were being encouraged to feed their table scraps to their pets as to not waste any food.  Restaurants owners got in on the practice.  In San Francisco they were called ‘Pet Pakits’ and in Seattle they were labeled ‘Bones for Bowser.’

While many etiquette people say taking leftovers is a no-no, in America it’s kind of a standard.  They do recommend if you’re travelling overseas you should check with local customs to be sure asking to take your food ‘to-go’ is considered proper etiquette.  (You may get eye rolls from your waiter for asking.)

If you’d like to read the full article about where the ‘doggie bag’ came from, click HERE.

Bon appétit!

~CMF