Costco’s cult-favorite food court just got a price shock—and members aren’t taking it lightly
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Something’s stirring in the land of bulk bargains—and it’s not the rotisserie chickens.
Across the country, loyal Costco members are sounding the alarm after a quiet but dramatic shift hit one of the store’s most beloved traditions.
For many, it’s not just about what’s on the shelves anymore—it’s what’s happening in the food court.
Long praised for its no-frills prices and comfort-food staples, Costco’s food court has been a sanctuary for members seeking quick, cheap eats.
But that reputation took a hit this week as frustrated shoppers began reporting steep and unexpected price increases on some favorite menu items.
Sandwiches that once rang up at $3.99 are now listed for $6.99 at certain stores.
Chicken bakes have jumped by $1.50. Even the salads and drinks haven’t been spared.
The backlash was swift online. “Chicken bake went up by $1.50, drink went up .10c, salad went up by $1.00,” one user wrote, adding that their location had also bumped the price of roast beef sandwiches from $9.99 to $10.99.
“My worry is that hot dogs are next,” another commented, echoing a growing anxiety that the iconic $1.50 hot dog-and-soda combo—a symbol of Costco’s price consistency for decades—may finally be on borrowed time.
Costco’s food court has long been one of its most cherished perks—so much so that the hot dog combo has famously never increased in price since the 1980s.
But now, amid rising costs, tariff-driven inflation, and mounting frustration, some shoppers say the food court is no longer immune.
The backlash is magnified by other recent changes. Last fall, Costco raised its membership fees for the first time in seven years.
That move was followed by a beverage switch—replacing Pepsi with Coca-Cola in its US food courts—and a few new menu additions like the strawberry banana smoothie.
But none of those changes provoked quite the uproar that food court inflation has.
It’s not just the food court feeling the heat. Members have also noticed price increases and shrinking portions on warehouse staples.
One shopper pointed out that the Kirkland lasagna rose from $9.99 in 2020 to $13.99 in 2024—while quietly shrinking by 25%.
Another cited $22 paper plates as a jaw-dropping example of creeping prices.
“Bye bye Costco,” one user wrote. Others lamented the loss of value the store once offered, blaming rising global tariffs and domestic economic policies for the change.
Some Costco members in Canada reported feeling the squeeze weeks before US shoppers did, raising questions about whether more price hikes are coming.
Costco has not yet officially responded to reports of the price hikes, leaving shoppers to speculate—and worry.
If the legendary hot dog price ever goes up, it may not just mark the end of a deal—it could signal a cultural shift for a brand that built its name on loyalty and savings.
Read next:
Have you noticed prices creeping up at your local Costco? What’s the one item you'd be most upset to see go up? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Across the country, loyal Costco members are sounding the alarm after a quiet but dramatic shift hit one of the store’s most beloved traditions.
For many, it’s not just about what’s on the shelves anymore—it’s what’s happening in the food court.
Long praised for its no-frills prices and comfort-food staples, Costco’s food court has been a sanctuary for members seeking quick, cheap eats.
But that reputation took a hit this week as frustrated shoppers began reporting steep and unexpected price increases on some favorite menu items.
Sandwiches that once rang up at $3.99 are now listed for $6.99 at certain stores.
Chicken bakes have jumped by $1.50. Even the salads and drinks haven’t been spared.
Costco has not yet officially responded to reports of the price hikes. Image Source: Marcus Reubenstein / Unsplash
The backlash was swift online. “Chicken bake went up by $1.50, drink went up .10c, salad went up by $1.00,” one user wrote, adding that their location had also bumped the price of roast beef sandwiches from $9.99 to $10.99.
“My worry is that hot dogs are next,” another commented, echoing a growing anxiety that the iconic $1.50 hot dog-and-soda combo—a symbol of Costco’s price consistency for decades—may finally be on borrowed time.
Costco’s food court has long been one of its most cherished perks—so much so that the hot dog combo has famously never increased in price since the 1980s.
But now, amid rising costs, tariff-driven inflation, and mounting frustration, some shoppers say the food court is no longer immune.
The backlash is magnified by other recent changes. Last fall, Costco raised its membership fees for the first time in seven years.
That move was followed by a beverage switch—replacing Pepsi with Coca-Cola in its US food courts—and a few new menu additions like the strawberry banana smoothie.
But none of those changes provoked quite the uproar that food court inflation has.
It’s not just the food court feeling the heat. Members have also noticed price increases and shrinking portions on warehouse staples.
One shopper pointed out that the Kirkland lasagna rose from $9.99 in 2020 to $13.99 in 2024—while quietly shrinking by 25%.
Another cited $22 paper plates as a jaw-dropping example of creeping prices.
“Bye bye Costco,” one user wrote. Others lamented the loss of value the store once offered, blaming rising global tariffs and domestic economic policies for the change.
Some Costco members in Canada reported feeling the squeeze weeks before US shoppers did, raising questions about whether more price hikes are coming.
Costco has not yet officially responded to reports of the price hikes, leaving shoppers to speculate—and worry.
If the legendary hot dog price ever goes up, it may not just mark the end of a deal—it could signal a cultural shift for a brand that built its name on loyalty and savings.
Read next:
- A new bakery favorite is drawing crowds at Costco—Don’t miss out!
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