Costco is shaking things up at all 630 of its food courts across the United States, and members are definitely noticing. If you shop at Costco often, you probably know that the food court is almost as popular as the warehouse deals. Now, with a major change rolling out, customers have plenty to say about it.
What change did Costco make to its food courts
Earlier this year, Costco confirmed that it would be replacing Pepsi products in its food courts with Coca-Cola. The company had been serving Pepsi for more than a decade, so the switch was a big deal for many loyal customers.
Costco CEO Ron Vachris made it clear back in January: “This summer we will be converting our food court fountain business back over to Coca-Cola.”
By the fall of this year, every Costco food court across the country is expected to have fully switched over to Coca-Cola.
Where has Coca-Cola already replaced Pepsi in Costco
The rollout has already begun in several states. Coca-Cola machines are now confirmed in food courts in:
- Lakewood, California
- Cherry Hill, New Jersey
- Springfield, Virginia
Reports from shoppers also say the switch has happened in Idaho, Illinois, Tennessee, Minnesota, and Florida. If you have not seen it yet at your local Costco, chances are you will soon.
How customers are reacting to Costco’s Coca-Cola switch
When the news first broke, reactions were mixed. Some people were upset, saying Pepsi had been their go-to drink at Costco. One disappointed customer even said: “Had my first Coke in nearly 25 years and I did not hate it, but would have much rather had a Pepsi.”
But over time, more customers have warmed up to the change. On Reddit, one happy shopper said: “I LOVE Coke, will not drink Pepsi so I am happy about this.” Another added: “About time! I hate Pepsi and not even had Mt Dew.”
Now that the rollout is nearly complete, the majority of customers seem pleased with the switch.
What classic items are still on the costco food court menu
Even with the soda change, the food court classics that many of you love are still here. The Costco hot dog and soda combo is still just $1.50, and you can still find your favorite pizza slices and sandwiches.
Here are some of the popular items you can expect:
- Hot Dog with Soda – $1.50
- Pepperoni or Cheese Pizza Slice – $1.99
- Rotisserie Chicken Caesar Salad – $6.99
- Turkey and Swiss Sandwich – $6.99
- Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie – $2.49
These staples are part of the reason Costco food courts are so well-loved, and they are not going anywhere anytime soon.
Why some shoppers are frustrated with food court changes
Not every change at the food court has been welcomed. Earlier this summer, Costco tested a new ordering system that upset some shoppers. Instead of calling out order numbers when food was ready, customers were asked to wait in line to collect their meals.
One frustrated shopper shared online: “My local Costco recently stopped calling out order numbers… people were just standing around waiting. Eventually someone noticed a tiny sign that said they are not calling numbers anymore, and so people formed a rough line which then grew quickly.”
Others added that employees were waiting to see receipts before preparing food, which slowed things down even more.
Why costco made the switch back to Coca-Cola
The decision to return to Coca-Cola is not just about taste. Costco has a long history of working with Coke, and the rivalry between Coke and Pepsi has always played a role in what shoppers find in stores. After 12 years with Pepsi, the move back to Coca-Cola is a return to what many longtime customers remember from the past.
At the end of the day, Costco is listening to what customers want. The food court is an important part of the Costco experience, and by offering Coca-Cola, the company is betting that more shoppers will be satisfied.
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