There’s something irresistibly charming about the Costco food court that keeps bringing us back for more, isn’t there? It’s not just a place to grab a quick bite after hauling a cart full of bulk toilet paper and gigantic jars of pickles it’s a cultural sensation. The irreplaceable deals in the food court, including the legendary $1.50 hot dog and soda combo, have rendered it an institution among bargain hunters and foodies alike. For others and myself, it is a repository of fond memories, whether it is sharing a pizza slice with friends or grabbing a churro before finalizing checkout.
Why the Costco food court is so great is that it has the ability to build strong passion and endless disagreements amongst its fans. From the mythical pizza to the quirky hand-cranked onion machine of yesteryear, every menu item seems to have a story to tell. It’s a place where you can overhear heated arguments about how to top a hot dog or whether the new cookie is superior to the old churro. This isn’t so much about food it’s about community, nostalgia, and the excitement of a bargain that’s almost too good to be true.
But come on: the food court isn’t drama-free. Over the years, we’ve witnessed menu changes that left us cheering or crying, from the replacement of Pepsi with Coca-Cola to the devastating loss of fan favorites. But all above, the Costco food court is an emblem of value and comfort, a haven where we can indulge in uncomplicated pleasures in the midst of bulk shopping chaos. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best things in life are served up with a side of ketchup and a whole lot of heart.
Why We Love It:
- Unbeatable value: Where else can you feed a family of four for under $10?
- Nostalgic vibes: The food court is a time capsule from the good ol’ days.
- Convenience: Get a meal without ever having to leave the store perfect for those marathon shopping trips.
The Hot Turkey & Provolone Sandwich Is Back in a Big Way
Gather round the confetti, Costco fans the Hot Turkey & Provolone Sandwich is back! This isn’t any sandwich; it’s a toasty, warm masterpiece filled with oven-roasted turkey, melted provolone, crisp red onions, juicy tomatoes, and a basil garlic mayo to keep the whole thing united. When one Redditor, u/541reddit, posted a picture of this gem making its way back onto the menu in Eugene, Oregon, the internet as a whole went wild. Social media was buzzing with excitement, with fans who had been dreaming about this sandwich since it vanished sometime during the pandemic finally able to rejoice.
Coming back to this sandwich is like reuniting with a friend. For those who remember stuffed themselves with it as kids or munched it on lunch breaks, it’s not just food it’s a time machine. Early signs from places like Alhambra and Huntington Beach in California verify that the sandwich is back, with a national rollout on track for March 9. The prospect of sinking our teeth into that crispy warm bread again has us counting the days, but there is a catch that is causing everyone to stir: the price.
At $6.99, this sandwich is pricier than its pre-pandemic $3.99 price tag, and that $3 jump has sparked a mix of cheers and groans. Some fans are thrilled to have it back at any cost, while others can’t help but compare it to the still-untouched $1.50 hot dog combo. “I’d pay $5.99, but $6.99 feels like a stretch,” one Redditor lamented. However, the promise is that the sandwich has delivered on taste, with some remarking that there is even more turkey than there used to be, and thus making it a filling meal to celebrate.
What’s in the Sandwich:
- Oven-roasted breast of turkey, sliced for the protein-laden, savory goodness.
- Melted provolone cheese, gooey and creamy.
- Red onion and tomatoes for the crunch, fresh bite.
- Basil garlic mayo, for the added zesty, herbaceous kick.
The Price Increase Controversy: Is It Worth It or Just Too Expensive?
Let’s address the elephant in the room: that $6.99 price tag. For a food court that’s built its reputation on jaw-dropping deals, the price increase has some scratching their heads. Way back when, the Hot Turkey & Provolone Sandwich was a steal at $3.99, squarely in keeping with Costco’s value mantra. Now, at nearly twice the cost, some fans are cutting back. It’s hard to justify when I can get a hot dog and soda for $1.50,” griped one shopper on the internet, and it’s one that many can relate to.
Conversely, there is an argument to be made for the return of the sandwich. Inflation has taken a bite out of everything from groceries to gas, and Costco is not immune. The extra turkey and the batch oven-warming (not made to your order) might be worth the extra cash to others. Laura Lamb, the genius behind CostcoHotFinds.com, loved the “warm, soft bread with a crunch” and “so filling” nature of the sandwich. Those who have been sampling it describe the nostalgia and quality being greater than the price hike at least for the moment.
Nevertheless, the debate rages on. Others suggest putting the sandwich in a side or beverage for $6.99 as an enticement. Others still don’t care as long as it’s in the stores again. It’s a classic Costco dilemma: do we bring back an old favorite, or do we hold out for that unbeatable bargain that we’ve come to know? Either way, the exchange shows how much we adore our food court favorites.
Pros of the Price:
- More turkey creates a meatier sandwich.
- Baked fresh in the oven for the best consistency.
- Nostalgia factor justifies paying the price for many.
Cons of the Price:
- Nearly double the initial $3.99 price point.
- Direct competition with lower-cost staples like the hot dog combo.
- No side or drink included, which stings at $6.99.
The Great Onion Comeback: A Condiment Victory
Hold on to your hot dogs, because the diced onions are returning, too! For years, the absence of the hand-cranked onion dispenser has been a sore spot for Costco hot dog enthusiasts. Those little cups of diced onions, perfect for piling onto a $1.50 hot dog, vanished during the pandemic, leaving us with only ketchup and mustard to dress our buns. But renewed appearances in certain supermarkets have been reason to be jubilant among enthusiasts, as a Redditor took a photo of their “onioned and relished up hot dog” and declared, “I haven’t seen onions since before the pandemic!”
The reintroduction of onions is not consistent across all stores, though, which adds an extra layer of drama to the Costco experience. Others store them in small sauce cups with lids on the pickup counter, but you have to ask for it. “I feel like I won the lottery when they have onions,” another shopper gushed, enjoying the thrill of receiving this elusive condiment.
Nevertheless, there are still supply issues some stores sell out by early afternoon, leaving the procrastinators onion-less and irritated. The onion dispenser drama is one of plenty and scarcity. Clearly, some shoppers took “free onions” too literally, loading a soda cup to capacity, which led Costco to discontinue the crank machines. Now, chopped in batches daily, onions are a precious commodity. “They’re gone by 2-3 p.m. at my store,” griped one enthusiast.
However, their return is a triumph of tiny victories, a confirmation that even the smallest of things a pinch of sautéed onions can be enough to make the Costco food court happy.
Onion Hunters’ Tips:
- Ask at the counter if you can’t locate them some shops store them in the back.
- Get there early in the day to beat the afternoon onion shortage.
- Check near the pick-up area for grab-and-go cups.
Navigating Change in the Costco Food Court
Weathering Change in the Costco Food Court Change is never easy, especially when it comes to our beloved Costco food court. The turkey sandwich and onion victory comes on the heels of other modifications that have tested our commitment. The conversion to Coca-Cola from Pepsi had some enthusiasts griping, and the replacement of the churro with a cookie still stings many.And then there’s the sauerkraut, another hot dog sidekick who has been nowhere to be found for years, with individuals pleading, “Forget onions, return the sauerkraut!” They reflect broader economic forces.
Inflation has pushed costs up, and even Costco has not been immune. The most recent increase in membership fees $5 for regular members, $10 for Executive members is the first in seven years. It’s a reminder that even a retail behemoth like Costco feels tightfisted. But the food court’s enduring charm is that it is able to balance value and nostalgia perfectly, keeping us hooked even when a bombshell drops from time to time.
Navigating this ever-evolving food court world, an open mind is the key. Whether it’s treating oneself to a pricier sandwich or hunting down those mythical onions, the Costco food court remains a place of bonding and discovery.It’s where we store up memories, share recommendations, and bask in the small victories like a warm sandwich perfectly toasted or a hot dog topped to overflowing with onions.Here’s to the food court, where with each bite there is a side of memories and lots of love.
Embracing the Food Court Experience:
- Be open to new menu offerings they may surprise you.
- Share your hints with fellow enthusiasts online to continue to keep the community alive.
- Enjoy the nostalgia, but don’t be afraid to create new memories.
