One of the biggest benefits of shopping at Costco—besides the ultra-low prices and free samples—is the opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal or snack at a Costco food court.
It used to be that Costco food courts were accessible to paying members and non-members alike. In fact, the hope was that allowing non-members to eat at the store’s food courts would inspire more people to join Costco.
In 2024, Costco began enforcing the policy that food courts were for members only. That effort was part of a broader crackdown on membership sharing. It also came in response to member complaints about crowded stores and parking lots.
Now, if you want to enjoy a Costco food court meal, you have to join – or find a hack that gets you into the store without paying for a membership.
But it may be worth joining Costco for the food court alone. That way, you can enjoy the iconic $1.50 hot dog and soda combo, or perhaps take home a giant pizza for under $10.
Image source: Shutterstock-Ant DM
Costco introduces new food court menu item
Costco isn’t the kind of company that likes to let things be. Whether it’s switching things up in terms of inventory or services, Costco is constantly trying to offer new value to members.
Part of that strategy extends to the food court.
Related: Much-disliked Costco change brings members hidden benefit
Costco frequently rotates food court items to keep the menu interesting. In recent years, it’s introduced offerings such as the:
- Giant chocolate chip cookie
- Rotisserie chicken Caesar salad
- Turkey and provolone sandwich
- Frozen strawberry lemonade
Now, Costco has added another new item to its food court lineup: a salted caramel brownie sundae. So far, the reviews are overwhelmingly positive.
In fact, Instagram user @costcohotfinds shared a video of the new dessert, and it was drool-worthy. It showed a heaping vanilla ice cream sundae topped with brownie bits and a caramel sauce throughout.
“There was no shortage of brownie bits in this dessert,” the video said.
A positive food court change – finally
Some of the changes Costco has made to its food court in recent years have not sat well with members.
For example, a lot of people were upset when Costco replaced its famous churros with a giant chocolate chip cookie that was basically an oversized replica of the cookies sold in bulk in the bakery section.
Related: Costco shares mixed news on holiday inventory
Many people also criticized the frozen strawberry lemonade, calling it too sweet.
But so far, Costco fans seem to be loving the salted caramel brownie sundae, which comes at a very affordable price point of $2.99.
One Reddit poster said, “Who’s the evil genius who came up with that one? I salute him!”
Another said, “This looks AMAZING.”
And a third Redditor said, “Probably has like 120 grams of sugar. Do I care? No. Nothing will stand in between me and that sundae.” (For those keeping score, Costco says its new sundae contains 810 calories.)
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Either way, the fact that fans are embracing this new food court addition is a big win for Costco after so many misses. Let’s just hope this delicious treat sticks around for the long haul.
Maurie Backman owns shares of Costco.
Related: Costco just sweetened the deal for Executive members
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