Controversy unfolds in Costco’s food court.
Costco enthusiasts in the United States are voicing their discontent upon learning that certain menu items at Costco’s Canadian food courts, such as an appealing chicken strips and fries deal, are unavailable in the States.
In a discussion last month, a Reddit user highlighted a food court menu from a Canadian Costco, revealing that a combo of chicken strips and fries is priced at just C$6.99, which is approximately $5.08 U.S. dollars.
The absence of this culinary offer in the U.S. has left many American Costco shoppers feeling slighted.
“Why doesn’t Costco USA serve french fries or chicken strips?! I would kill for that!!” one exasperated Redditor posted.
Another commented, “We should leverage this subreddit to get Chicken Strips and Fries, and why not poutine as well, onto the US menu!”
“Chicken and fries would be a smash hit in the states,” another chimed in on the thread.
Many Canadians were equally taken aback to learn that the combo was not on offer in the U.S., with one declaring it “the best thing on the menu.”
But the chicken strips combo isn’t the sole crave-worthy item unique to Costco’s Canadian branch. Customers there also indulge in poutine.
This revelation further spotlighted a gap in the American Costco menu: the absence of any style of fries in U.S. food courts.
Canadian users expressed surprise, with one stating, “No fries at U.S. Costcos? That’s extremely surprising.”
“The fries are excellent – better than most other items and they appear battered to enhance crispness and flavor,” another Canadian shared.
One Costco employee affirmed, “Fries are top sellers at my warehouse! Poutine and Chicken strips+fawns are the most popular purchases! (Source: I work there),” they revealed.
To add salt to the wound, Canadians enjoy the beloved hot dog and soda combo at an even lower cost of C$1.50, equivalent to just over a U.S. dollar.
Stateside, the famed hot dog and soda combo has graced Costco’s food court since the 1980s, never wavering from its $1.50 price tag.
Outgoing Costco CFO Richard Galanti reassured before his departure that the bargain would likely stay untouched, a sentiment echoed by his successor, former Kroger CFO Gary Millerchip.
With changes on the horizon, the retailer ceased offering its once-popular churro and introduced a new $2.49 chocolate chip cookie as its replacement.
Additionally, Costco’s food courts now serve a $6.99 turkey sandwich in the U.S., another item not found in Canadian stores.
FAQ Section
What are some items unique to Canadian Costco food courts?
Unique items in Canadian Costco food courts include poutine and a chicken strips and fries combo that are currently not available in U.S. Costco locations.
Is the hot dog and soda combo at Costco more expensive in Canada?
No, the hot dog and soda combo is actually cheaper in Canada, priced at C$1.50, which is just over 1 U.S. dollar.
Are there any food court items that the U.S. has and Canada does not?
Yes, the U.S. Costco food courts offer a turkey sandwich for $6.99, which is not available at Canadian stores.
Did Costco U.S. increase the price of the hot dog and soda combo recently?
No, the price of the hot dog and soda combo remains at $1.50, as Costco executives have reassured its stability for the foreseeable future.
Why did Costco stop offering the churro in its food courts?
Costco has not publicly stated the reason, but they replaced the churro with a new chocolate chip cookie priced at $2.49.