Meet Ecopax: One of Our Longest-Standing Partners in Packaging

At Albemarle Paper Supply, we’ve been working with Ecopax for over 10 years—and there’s a good reason why. They’re one of our go-to manufacturers for quality, reliable, and innovative takeout packaging. From foam containers to eco-friendly paper and recyclable options, their products help restaurants like yours serve food safely, sustainably, and with style.

The Story Behind the Brand

Ecopax got its start back in 2007 up in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. What began as a small team has grown into a major player in the food packaging game. Today, they’ve got nearly 100 employees and a state-of-the-art production facility, but their mission hasn’t changed: create smart, sustainable solutions for the food service world.

Led by Christina Wong

At the heart of it all is Christina Wong. She’s the driving force behind Ecopax, and she’s been leading the charge as the company continues to grow. Christina took the reins from her father, Peter Wong, who moved their family from China and planted the seeds for what Ecopax would become.

Under her leadership, Ecopax has stayed true to its roots while continuing to innovate. A few years ago, they broke ground on a $20 million facility in Bethlehem, PA, giving them the space and resources to better serve partners like us—and you.

Why We Love Working with Them

Ecopax makes products that get the job done. Whether it’s sturdy foam clamshells or eco-conscious containers that hold up under pressure, their lineup is built for real-world restaurant needs. They’re always exploring new materials, like their BioBrew™ biodegradable coffee cups, which make it easy to stay on top of the sustainability game.

We’re proud to carry their products, and even prouder of the long-standing relationship we’ve built. If you’re using Ecopax packaging, you’re in good hands—and if you’re not yet, we’d love to help you get started.

Spring is the ideal time to rejuvenate your restaurant’s ambiance and ensure a spotless environment for your customers. A thorough spring cleaning not only enhances the dining experience but also underscores your commitment to health and safety. At Albemarle Paper Supply, we’re dedicated to providing top-quality products to support your cleaning endeavors. Here are some practical cleaning tasks that should be a part of your regular cleaning schedule and recommended supplies to make your spring cleaning efficient and effective:

1. Deep Clean Dining Areas

• Tables & Chairs: Regularly wipe down surfaces to remove dust and prevent buildup.​

• Floors: Implement a routine of sweeping and mopping to maintain cleanliness.​

• Windows & Blinds: Clean these areas to allow natural light to enhance your space.​

Recommended Products:

• Murphy’s Oil Soap Wood Cleaner: A versatile solution suitable for various surfaces.​

• APS Glass Cleaner: Ideal for streak-free cleaning of windows and delicate surfaces.​

2. Revitalize the Kitchen

• Equipment: Regularly sanitize ovens, grills, and fryers to ensure optimal performance.

• Storage Areas: Organize and clean pantries and refrigerators to maintain order

• Surfaces: Disinfect countertops and cutting boards to prevent cross-contamination.

Recommended Products:

• APS Degreaser: Effectively removes tough grease and grime.​

• Sanitizer Ready-To-Use: Ensures food-contact surfaces are free from harmful bacteria.​

3. Refresh Restrooms

• Fixtures: Clean and disinfect sinks, toilets, and mirrors to maintain hygiene.​

• Floors & Walls: Regularly scrub to remove stains and buildup.​

• Supplies: Keep essentials like hand soap, paper towels, and toilet paper well-stocked.​

Recommended Products:

• Disinfectant Aerosol Spray Cans: Eliminate germs and odors effectively.

• Metered Air Freshener Refill: Maintains a pleasant atmosphere for guests.​

4. Enhance Outdoor Spaces

• Patios & Entryways: Sweep and power wash to create a welcoming entrance.​

• Furniture: Clean and inspect for any necessary repairs or replacements.​

Recommended Products:

• APS Supremo All Purpose Cleaner: Designed to tackle dirt and mildew on exterior surfaces.​

• Furniture Polish Aerosol Cleaner: Protects and enhances the appearance of outdoor furnishings.​

5. Maintain HVAC Systems

• Vents & Filters: Clean to improve air quality and system efficiency.​

• System Check: Ensure your HVAC is prepared for the warmer months ahead.​

Recommended Products:

• APS Glass Cleaner: Removes dust from vents and hard-to-reach areas.​

• AJAX All Purpose Cleaner : Extends the life of your HVAC filters.​

Embarking on a comprehensive spring cleaning not only revitalizes your establishment but also sets the stage for a successful season. At Albemarle Paper Supply, we offer a wide range of cleaning solutions to meet your restaurant’s unique needs. Visit our website to explore our products and take advantage of our spring promotions.​

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Here’s to a clean and busy spring season!

Owning a business is difficult. One of the trickiest parts of being an entrepreneur is maintaining your current rate of return while also increasing your revenue. Restaurant owners have a particularly difficult job in order to accomplish this as expansion requires leaving your current restaurant in order to grow and build another location. One way to help reduce the difficulty of this challenge is to pick a good market to expand in as this increases the likelihood of success.

Here are five markets in the greater Charlotte area that have expanding populations, a healthy median income, but are limited in restaurant options available, making them ideal spots to expand an existing restaurant concept or to try something new.

1. Waxhaw, NC (25-30 miles south of Charlotte)

Waxhaw is the third oldest town in Union County when it was chartered in 1889. It has a well kept historic district with many maintained old buildings.

Residential Growth: Population doubled from 9,859 to over 20,000 (100%+), now ~22,000.

Subdivisions like Millbridge (1,000+ homes) raised home prices from $600,000 to $780,000

(2022-2023).

Lack of Restaurants: 20-25 options (one per 900-1,100), one per 2,000-2,500 broader (pop.

50,000+).

Disposable Income: $100,000-$110,000 (county: $88,000).

Why It’s Great: Top-tier growth and incomes with minimal dining, perfect for upscale ventures.

2. Fort Mill, SC (18-20 miles south of Charlotte)

Fort Mill is another old town established in 1873 and has a historic district with buildings from the 1800s. The South Carolina town was originally known for being a textile manufacturing hub, but the primary companies in that industry have left and have been replaced by a more diverse range of businesses and industries.

Residential Growth: Grew from 10,811 to 25,000 (130%+). County up 22% (226,073 to

282,090, 2010-2020).

Developments like Springfield (500+ homes) raised home prices from

$400,000 to $500,000 (2020-2024).

Lack of Restaurants: 50-60 options (one per 400-500), one per 2,000-2,500 broader (pop.

50,000+).

Disposable Income: $85,000-$90,000 (county: $72,000).

Why It’s Great: Explosive growth and high incomes near Charlotte, a traffic magnet with dining

gaps.

3. Kannapolis, NC (30-35 miles northeast of Charlotte)

Like Fort Mill, Kannapolis was historically known for textile manufacturing. Today, there has been massive investment in the North Carolina Research Campus which was a project started in 2008.

Residential Growth: Grew 24.6% (42,625 to 55,000, 2010-2020), now ~55,000.

Developments like Kannapolis Crossing (400+ homes) raised home prices from $230,000 to $310,000 (2020-2024).

Lack of Restaurants: 40-50 options (one per 1,100-1,375), one per 2,000-2,500 broader (pop.

100,000+).

Disposable Income: $65,000-$70,000 (county: $65K-$70K).

Why It’s Great: Strong growth and robust incomes with a dining shortage, enhanced by

Revitalization.

4. Lancaster, SC (35-40 miles south of Charlotte)

Near Waxhaw, Lancaster is an old town with lots of history. Most notably being the town where the US seventh president Andrew Jackson grew up.

Residential Growth: County grew 25% (76,652 to 96,016, 2010-2020), now ~100,000.

Developments like Sun City Carolina Lakes (3,000+ homes) raised home prices from $245,000

to $325,000 (2020-2024).

Lack of Restaurants: 30-35 options (one per 300-350), one per 2,800 county-wide (pop.

100,000).

Disposable Income: $62,000-$75,000 (county: $62,000).

Why It’s Great: Huge growth and a stark dining gap with solid incomes, ideal for mid-range

Options.

5. Denver, NC (25-30 miles northwest of Charlotte)

Denver is a town on the west side of Lake Norman and promotes itself as a quiet little lake town while also still being a hub for business growth as road expansion projects like NC rt 16 from Newton to Charlotte help improve commutes.

Residential Growth: County grew 11% (78,265 to 86,810, 2010-2020), now ~90,000.

Developments like Trilogy Lake Norman (1,300+ homes) raised home prices from $400,000 to

$500,000 (2020-2024).

Lack of Restaurants: 15-20 options (one per 175-233, local pop. 3,500+), one per 1,500-2,000

broader (pop. 20,000-30,000).

Disposable Income: $70,000-$80,000 (county: $58,000).

Why It’s Great: Lake-driven growth and wealth with minimal dining, great for upscale eateries.

Expanding a restaurant is never an easy decision, but choosing the right market can make all the difference. As a supplier to many successful restaurants, we understand the challenges that come with growth, and we hope this list provides valuable insight into high-potential areas around Charlotte. Whether you’re looking to introduce a new concept or bring your existing brand to a fresh audience, these markets offer strong demographics and a clear demand for more dining options. If you’re planning your next move, APS is here to support you with the supplies you need to make your expansion a success!

As someone who talks to restaurant owners every single day, I know firsthand how challenging the past few years have been for the restaurant industry. But as we settle into 2025, I’m excited to share some promising trends (source) that indicate this year is shaping up to be a strong one for growth and opportunity.

One of the biggest areas of expansion is to-go ordering (source). The demand for takeout and delivery continues to surge, with a projected 7.88% compound annual growth rate by 2029. That means restaurants that optimize their packaging and to-go operations will be well-positioned to thrive. At APS, we’re always working to provide high-quality, cost-effective solutions to help you meet this growing demand.

We’re also seeing positive economic shifts that bode well for the industry. Inflation is stabilizing, and interest rates are coming down (source)—both signs that consumer spending should see a boost. In fact, up to 97% of restaurants are planning to expand in 2025 (source). That tells me restaurant owners are optimistic about what’s ahead, and I couldn’t agree more.

At APS, our goal is to help you stay ahead by providing the best paper products, to-go containers, and restaurant essentials to keep your business running smoothly. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your packaging, streamline costs, or prepare for growth, we’re here to support you.

Let’s make 2025 a year of success! If there’s anything we can do to help, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Nick

Dear APS Family,

As the holiday season approaches, we at Albemarle Paper Supply want to take a moment to reflect on the past year and express our deepest gratitude for your continued trust and partnership. It has been an incredible year of growth and progress, and none of it would have been possible without you.

A Year of Growth and Expansion

This year, we undertook a major warehouse expansion, a project designed with you in mind. Our new space allows us to stock more products, expand our offerings, and provide you with better quality items at competitive prices. This investment represents our commitment to being a reliable partner for your business, ensuring that we meet your needs with efficiency and excellence.

Building a Stronger Team for You

Behind every order, phone call, and delivery is a dedicated team working tirelessly to provide the best customer service in the industry. This year, we have focused on building and training a team that shares our passion for service and our mission to exceed your expectations. Whether it’s answering a question, resolving an issue, or finding the perfect product for your needs, our team strives to make every interaction a positive one.

A Heartfelt Thank You

At Albemarle Paper Supply, our customers are more than clients; you’re family. We are incredibly grateful for the relationships we’ve built over the years and for the trust you place in us to support your business. Your loyalty inspires us to continually improve and innovate, and we are excited to serve you even better in the coming year.

As we celebrate the holiday season, we want to extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. May your holidays be filled with joy, peace, and cherished moments, and may the new year bring continued success and growth for us all.

Thank you for being an essential part of the Albemarle Paper Supply family. Here’s to an even brighter 2025 together!

Nick & John 

Why do restaurants have art and pleasing visual aesthetics? Why do different restaurant brands have particular styles of music playing? Why is it important to be particular about the precise details in a restaurant such as the types of napkins or portioning cups you use? Because we eat with all five of our senses. Generally, we start by eating with our eyes.

All restaurants also have to use disposable products. These products can help with the visual presentation for your customers, which will encourage them to come back again and again.

Here are five ways to improve your business’ visual presentation by making small alterations to the disposable products you purchase:

1. Be particular about your foam to-go containers

Be wary of going ultra-cheap with your foam to-go boxes. There are several ultra-cheap brands for foam boxes, but they oftentimes do not hold up well. They warp, bend, and break. It is more likely going to cost less, in the long run, to go with a sturdier name-brand foam to-go box, such as Ecopax, because you can count on them holding up better for to-go orders and takeout. The increased cost here is minimal and the gain of having a box your customers can count on is massively valuable.

2. Compare kraft vs bleached paper products

Depending on the aesthetic of your business unbleached brown paper products or white bleached paper products can provide a better aesthetic appeal for your business. The same goes for paper towels, napkins, food trays, and wax paper.

It’s worth testing different bleached and unbleached paper products to see which ones will work best with the aesthetic of your restaurant and function best for absorbing grease, while also comparing the economic costs of one versus the other.

3. Sturdy aluminum is key

Test and make sure the aluminum pans are capable of handling the heat and weight of your food products. While a reduced short-term cost may seem like a benefit to saving money on aluminum one malfunction with a pan and all those savings will go away and customers do not forget those types of accidents.

A sturdy clear plastic dome lid for aluminum pans can improve the aesthetic display for to-go products while also providing functionality as pans can then be stacked on top of each other more easily in to-go bags.  

4. Testing different disposable plates for in-house dining

If you use disposable plates and cutlery for in-house dining it’s important to test out different options to see which ones might work best with the types of items on your menu.

Foam plates might seem like the most economical option when comparing prices, but they could be costing you business if customers see grease absorbing into them. There are many different options for disposable plates so finding a solution that minimizes your immediate economic costs and the longer-term opportunity costs is easy with some testing and an understanding of the different options available.

Alternatives to foam plates include a variety of different coated and uncoated paper plates and microwavable plastic plates. Another option if you are using an unlaminated foam plate is to test out a laminated option which can also improve functionality.

5. Use an Upcycle Catering Rack for a better catering aesthetic

Wire racks for catering events tend to be bulky and a bit of a hindrance and provide only the essential functions of a catering rack. They are also not very aesthetically pleasing. This is where an upgrade to an Upcycle rack can help improve your catering setup.

They are heavy-duty plastic that can handle the heat, they are easy to set up and fold up easily to reduce storage space. They also have a sleek look so they can not only improve the functionality of your catering but should also provide a better aesthetic appeal for your customers.

Testing different products is key to working out which ones are best to suit your individual business needs. That is where a company like ours can help. Give us a call and let us know which disposable products you are having problems with and we will help you find your solution. We can bring samples, discuss alternatives, and most importantly help you solve your problems with disposable products so you can get back to focusing on the rest of your business.

November 30 is Small Business Saturday. As a small business we are proud to have support and supply hundreds of small businesses in the Carolinas. This newsletter is to celebrate you, the small business owner, with simple ways can support small businesses, like yours.

Follow on social media and leave positive reviews
Many of the larger corporations have hundreds if not thousands of reviews and millions of followers on social media platforms. This large amount of interactions drives further engagement with their brands. By adding positive reviews and following small businesses you work with or are a customer,you help increase their online presence which can help small businesses compete in the online space, where engagement and activity is key.
 

Giving from local businesses
When you are out and about doing your holiday shopping, consider giving gifts or gift cards from locally owned businesses. While your local restaurants or shops might be well known to you, they may not be as well known to your colleagues, friends, and family. By giving people a gift or gift card from a small business you are helping that business reach a larger potential customer base.

Taking a day at your local farmers market
Take a day to grocery shop at your local farmers market instead of the grocery store. Not only are you supporting local businesses but it encourages you and your family to make a dinner together from scratch.

Highlight businesses who use local suppliers
Many small businesses put an extra emphasis on supporting other local small businesses. For example, restaurants will try and support their local farmers as suppliers, or sell a local baker’s baked goods. Gift shops, bars, and many other small businesses also do similar things to support other local businesses. When you see this community effort happening in action, highlight it, post about it, share it, and encourage the value of it.

Promote Small businesses working B2B with other small businesses
Small businesses working business-to-business is a great way to get the most bang for your buck. This maximizes the trust and business relationship experience while growing together with the other businesses in your local economy. Small businesses depend on each other to improve and grow. When you are a small business, hiring other small businesses as partners encourages economic growth in your community. Promote and encourage small businesses to work together as they are stronger working with each other than apart.
 

At Albemarle Paper Supply we love working as a small business with other small businesses because we grow with our customers as they grow. Watching that process work is a remarkable thing to be a part of. Putting forth intention to support small businesses is a great way to ensure we all continue to see growth in the years ahead.

Your business is only as good as the team you have built to run it with you. Finding the right people, and showing them the value of your business and the purpose they can provide is key to building that rockstar team.

At APS, we are always striving to create the best team possible to work efficiently and provide the very best customer service. Here are some key things we do to build our team that can help any business.

1. Be willing to show up every day

If you don’t show up, your team won’t show up. That doesn’t only mean physically being there. It’s also the way you are there. Be engaged, demonstrate your focus, and actively listen. Show up with your presence, but most importantly show up with your engagement. A good team will respond well to the way you engage while at your business.

2. Have clear expectations and values

Know who you are and how your business represents you at your core. Ask yourself what are your core values that your business represents in you. Be able to write them down clearly and succinctly. Then your team will know what your core expectations are as they will be defined. Whenever you or anyone in your team deviates from those core values it can be easier to identify and then rectify.

A team that knows what the expectations are, will have an easier time meeting and exceeding those expectations.

Demonstrate that you make mistakes and are willing to learn from them

Your team will appreciate that the expectations are not perfection but that you show up, try, make mistakes, learn from those mistakes, and try again.

3. Know the goals of your team members

Driven people have goals in all aspects of their lives. Your team members should have goals for their lives inside and outside of your business. Know what those goals are and work with your team on how best your business can help your team achieve their goals. If everyone is goal-oriented and working towards achieving their goals the culture will be set for accomplishing the aims of your business. 

4. Establish clear lines of communication

Make sure everyone knows who they need to contact to help solve their specific problems. The quicker those lines of communication are established the quicker problems can get solved, which will improve the efficiency of your business. This will make your team feel capable, resilient, and accomplished because they will know how to approach solving problems, solving those problems, and seeing their work improve the outcomes of the business.

Building a strong team is more than just hiring the right people. At APS, we believe in empowering our team to thrive so that our business can too. By investing in our team, we invest in success, creating a foundation that not only meets our goals but also delivers exceptional value to our customers