Hollis Johnson
- Costco‘s food court has attracted many fans.
- Some of the Costco food court’s biggest fans may be the employees themselves.
- Some employees say you don’t even need to be a store member to grab a hot dog or a slice of pizza at Costco’s food court.
- The chain deliberately keeps prices low to better customers’ shopping experiences.
Costco food courts have a bit of a cult following.
The retail chain is well-known for hawking cheap eats you can grab once you wrap up your shopping spree. But these food courts aren’t just some tacked-on idea to help the store make a quick buck. They’re kind of a big deal. In fact, in the pizza business, Costco is actually the 14th-largest pizza chain in the US.
If you’re looking to grab something tasty and cheap, it’s definitely a good option.
Costco employees have shared a number of tips that can help you make the most of your food court visit.
Here are a few things you should know before you visit Costco’s food court:
You don’t always need a membership to shop there
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A standard Costco membership, which costs $ 60 a year, can help a customer rack up huge savings.
But you don’t necessarily need one to grab a bite to eat at the chain. Non-members also have a chance to swing by the food court, Business Insider’s Jessica Tyler reported.
On Reddit, Costco employees said that, while the food courts are supposed to be members-only, the rule is rarely enforced in some stores.
“When I was a greeter, we didn’t care,” wrote one Costco employee in a Reddit AMA. “A couple years later they changed it to require a membership. I think we’re being lenient again.”
The food court is supposed to be a membership perk, so it’s possible that you’ll get turned away at the door if you show up just hankering for a hot dog. But if the food court is located outside, all bets are off.
The food is incredibly cheap but still delicious — and yes, employees eat it
Hollis Johnson
You get a ton of bang for your buck at Costco food courts.
A hot dog and a beverage will cost you $ 1.50. A giant slice of pizza goes for $ 1.99, and a full pie is $ 9.95.
When Business Insider’s Hollis Johnson visited a Costco food court in Brooklyn, he ordered practically everything on the menu. The whole smorgasbord came out to just over $ 25.
And, what’s more, the food’s pretty good, considering the deal.
“Costco’s pizzas are pretty incredible considering the price,” Costco worker Stefan Winter wrote on Quora. “Crust is yummy, toppings are good quality, what’s not to love?”
“I eat at the food court more then I would like too,” an Ontario-based Costco employee told Business Insider. “It’s so good! The cheapest menu I have ever seen. I love the pepperoni pizza. It’s very cheesy with nice and juicy, crispy pepperonis.”
There are more great options other than the pizza or hot dog, and some depend on where you live
Hollis Johnson
While Costco’s pizza and hot dogs might be the chain’s most famous selections, there are a number of other options, too.
BBQ brisket sandwich, turkey-and-provolone sandwiches, a “confusing yet delicious“ chicken bake, and massive churros are all on the menu, too.
Regional and temporary menu items also include poutine, clam chowder, piña colada-flavored smoothies, and fries.
Former Costco employee Robert Lu wrote on Quora that he typically hits up the store’s food court during his lunch break. His favorite menu staple was the $ 1.99 slice of combo pizza, followed by gelato.
“Regardless of what you eat as the ‘main course’, the pistachio gelato — or any gelato — is to die for,” he wrote.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
See Also:
- 17 insider facts about shopping at Costco only employees know
- 11 Costco food court menu items employees swear by
- Costco workers reveal 6 things they’d never buy from the store
SEE ALSO: 11 insider facts about shopping at Costco only employees know
DON’T MISS: We ate at a Costco food court, and it was one of the best dining experiences we’ve ever had
