The Origin of “To-Go” Culture.

Before there were takeout meals, curbside pickups, or app-based deliveries, there was coffee to-go. In the early 20th century, as American cities grew busier and mornings more rushed, the need for portable caffeine took hold.  Coffeehouses and diners adapted by offering disposable cups, enabling workers to skip the sit-down and sip their brew on the move. By the 1960s, with innovations like the Anthora paper cup, designed specifically for New York’s Greek-owned coffee shops, the coffee to-go culture had taken root. That humble paper cup, adorned with ancient motifs and the words “We Are Happy to Serve You,” became an icon of urban life, capturing the essence of a city always in motion.

From this simple act of taking coffee on the run, an entire "to-go" culture blossomed. Meals followed, then groceries, cocktails, even luxury goods – all reimagined for portability. Today, “to-go” is more than convenience; it’s a way of life, an extension of fast-paced modernity. Yet at its heart remains the same principle: nourishment and comfort, packaged for a world in transit. The next time you carry a cup out the door, remember, you’re not just grabbing coffee. You’re participating in a ritual that helped define how we live, move, and consume today.

Dedicated to preserving the legacy of the iconic Anthora coffee cup – a true symbol of New York City’s street culture, corner delis, and daily rituals – NY Coffee Cup celebrates its enduring design, cultural significance, and place in coffee history, both in NYC and beyond.