Some Costco stores will soon ban nonmembers from eating at the food court
Many people relish in the idea of being able to chow down on a hot dog for $1.50 at their local Costco.
Soon, however, that cherished pastime may become a thing of the past for some.
This month, several people have noticed signs popping up at different Costco store locations warning folks that soon, unless they're card-holding members, they won't be able to enjoy an affordable meal at the food court. Costco Deals, an Instagram account with over 600,000 followers that posts news about the big-box retailer, shared one photo of the notice.
A post shared by COSTCO DEALS (@costcodeals) on Feb 20, 2020 at 12:13am PST
"Effective March 16, 2020, an active Costco membership card will be required to purchase items from our food court. You can join today. Please see our membership counter for details," the sign read.
Bruv, Costco is about to require a membership card to buy stuff at their food court, wtf??? pic.twitter.com/3HC5uTlbRK
— Black Andrew XXVIII (@Astonish13) February 15, 2020
If employees at Costco food courts thought they'd seen the worst of customers' fury when the chain discontinued its iconic Polish hot dog, they thought wrong.
Some people think the new policy isn't fair to those who depend on the fairly priced food.
That is a big blow to low income people who could at least get something to eat cheap without needing the membership.
— Prunella Vulgaris (@wesstone) February 20, 2020
Many foresee the change negatively affecting business for the food courts.
Fast forward a month... pic.twitter.com/UlKUWzuWj8
— Joshua Petrie (@JoshuaDPetrie) February 20, 2020
One longtime member even called the policy "wrong."
Seems silly to me. Been going to Costco since it was Price Club back in 1985. Been a member myself since 1997. Why would you put in ordering kiosks? Why would you not sell food to whoever at the food court? Costco, you have been and you are better than this. Fix your wrongs.
— Jim Davis (@jimd569) February 20, 2020
However, some people, who also claimed to be members, supported the new guideline.
"I am a member. I spend money at their store yet when I get done with my shopping , I have to wait in line behind a bunch of people who aren’t members. People who didn’t spend their money in the store. Members should come first," one Costco Deals follower wrote.
When reached via email, a representative from Costco's corporate team said, "Management has no comment at this time." However, TODAY was able to independently confirm that several store locations on the East Coast will start enforcing this new policy in March.
Currently, Costco memberships start at $60 a year, but there are a few ways folks can beat the system. When the chain partnered with grocery delivery service Instacart in 2017, the partnership made it possible for customers to order their favorite Costco finds right to their door without footing the bill for a membership card.
Another loophole for avoiding the annual fee involves getting a Costco cash card (which is basically a gift card) and using it to shop in store. The cards are good for any in-store items, including hot dogs, churros and pizza in the food court. The only catch? You'll need a partner in crime (aka someone who does have a membership) to get the gift card for you in exchange for cash.