The Beloved Costco Food Court Will Now Require a Store Membership Card

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

Breaking news: Say goodbye to cheap pizza and hot dogs at the Costco food court—that is, if you don't have a membership.

It appears the big-box store is cracking down on allowing non-members the ability to buy the inexpensive prepared meals at its food court, as early as next month. The Costco experts behind the @costcodeals Instagram account spotted a sign in a Costco saying that the food court will soon be exclusive to Costco members.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8yBXp5nHOX/?utm_source=ig_embed

While the people behind this account noted that this has been confirmed by sources, they also pointed out that it's very possible that it will vary by store. However, a couple of people who claim to be Costco employees have commented on the post saying the announcement is true and that the new rule will take effect on March 16.

ABC 10News in San Diego, California checked out a Costco near Mountain View and found a similar sign to what @costcodeals found, but they weren't able to get a definitive statement from Costco on the change. Financial advice website Clark.com, though, did get a statement from the brand.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/foodanddrink/other/psa-the-beloved-costco-food-court-will-now-require-a-store-membership-card/ar-BB10fFCQ?ocid=hplocalnews

[TexasBushwhacker]

1. I think that's fair

Their mark up is so low that the bulk of their profits come membership money.

[rockfordfile]

15. I agree

[democratisphere]

2. Got to pay, if you want to play.

Why should it be free to non-members?

[dalton99a]

4. +1. Members have been subsidizing non-members

[obamanut2012]

5. This!

[obamanut2012]

3. Good -- it has become beyond ridiculous at the local ones here

Sooooooooo many retirees/snowbird, who go there, jam all the tables for HOURS AND HOURS AND HOURS, take up literally 90% of the closer parking for HOURS AND HOURS AND HOURS, and are just horrible trying to make members buy them stuff, and getting very nasty if you refuse (which we do).

For the record, these are not poor people, these are very upper middle class retirees in the Boca area, who have a hell of a lot more money then me.

I have been complaining about this for years, and know I haven't been the only one around here to do so.

[miyazaki]

16. Ha. Same in Palm Springs area.

To some here they are as popular as the plague.

[Wellstone ruled]

6. Cheapest Lunch in Vegas.

At our Costco,after 11 AM till 1 PM the Food Court fills with workers from all the neighboring Business's. People come in thru the Return Desk door. Where you do not need a ID card to enter.

[4139]

7. I believe it has always been store to store. Pentagon City open food court, others northern va no

[TheBlackAdder]

8. Also, say good by to insulin resistance, fatty liver and visceral fat.

[marlakay]

9. I always thought it was members only

And I have no problem with that, the lower price food court is for members that pay yearly for their benefits.

[3catwoman3]

10. I didn't realize it was not members only.

The food court in our local Costco is right next to the tire section, and all I can smell is tires, which is not an aroma I find pleasing. I have never eaten there, nor will I, because of that odor.

[NBachers]

11. Strangely enough, I like the smell inside the tire section.

But I probably wouldn't want to pull up a table and eat there.

[ibegurpard]

12. Weird

I didn't realize it was a destination for non-members although i do know i don't have to show my membership card to make a purchase unlike the checkout lines for the store proper. I'm not sure why it would be an attraction... it's not that great. It's fine. I do like the baked chicken wrap they carry at mine.

[LAS14]

13. At the 3 Costcos we patronize you have to be a member to get to the food area. nt

[Kingofalldems]

14. I am a member who has never eaten there.

What's good?

[Flaleftist]

19. The prices are really cheap.

I don't think they make money off their food court, so the policy makes sense. Although, maybe they could have two different price menus for members and non-members.

1/4 lb hot dog is I believe $1.50.

Pizza by the slice is I think less than $2 and $10 for a whole pizza and it's decent quality and very filling.

[A HERETIC I AM]

21. People rave about the Chicken Bake

I’m a member too, but I rarely, RARELY eat anything from their food court.

But many folks I’ve talked to LOVE the Chicken Bake. Basically an Americanized chicken burrito that is wrapped pizza type dough and baked.

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

22. The 1/4 pound hot dog for $1.50 includes a drink.

[dalton99a]

23. +1. They make their own hot dogs - and they sell 100 million of them a year

[KY_EnviroGuy]

17. If they're that popular, perhaps Costco should go into the restaurant business.

Build them out by the gas pumps.......

[yortsed snacilbuper]

18. McCostco?

And have a happy meal!

[budkin]

20. The way it should be

I never understood why it has never been that way.