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Costco Food Courts consistently deliver the
value, quality and efficiency members appreciate
By David Wight
Illustrations by Steve Bjorkman
When it comes to cutting back on
expenses during a recession, many
families have turned to the big values
always available at Costco Food Courts.
The food offered there is not only reces-
sion-proof, it’s also inflation-proof. The hot
dog and soda combo—an icon for the Food
Court—has been sold for $1.50 since 1985.
That combo has never been downsized—in
fact, just the opposite. The price was origi-
nally based on a 12-ounce can of soda; today
it’s a 20-ounce fountain drink with free refills.
Likewise, when the 18-inch pizza was
introduced in 1989 it cost the same $9.95
that it’s sold for today. In price, weight and
quality of ingredients, this pizza easily sur-
passes the competition. A family of four can
make a meal of the pizza, with the addition
of a couple of bucks for fountain drinks.
Costco sees the Food Court as a bene-
fit that adds demonstrable value to mem-
bership. It is a regular destination for
scores of members, and has become a
tradition for many.
