Costco Completely Changes Its Food and Announces Historic Changes in the United States

Costco is preparing to transform its food court area in the United States. This change will impact millions of members who frequent its warehouses for more than just bulk products. The chain has confirmed several modifications that, although gradual, signify an important shift in its strategy.

One of the most striking announcements has been the return of a highly demanded classic. The hot turkey and provolone sandwich will return to the menu in the third quarter of the year.

This was confirmed by the Chief Financial Officer, Gary Millerchip, in a meeting with analysts and investors. The dish had been off the menu for years, but its popularity has remained intact among customers.

Additionally, the company based in Washington state has also introduced a recent novelty. It is a strawberry and banana smoothie, which arrived at the food courts in March.

"We introduced a new strawberry and banana smoothie," announced Millerchip during the second-quarter earnings call. The news was also shared through a post on Facebook.

Costco's Big Change

But the most significant change will come this summer. Costco plans to completely modify its beverage offerings in the food courts. After more than a decade of serving Pepsi products, the company will once again offer Coca-Cola. This was previewed by CEO Ron Vachris during the January shareholders' meeting: "We plan to convert our food court beverage fountain business back to Coca-Cola."

This change marks a break with a decision made in 2013. Since then, Pepsi has been the brand present in the chain's soda fountains. The return to Coca-Cola represents a strong move to reconnect with the preferences of many consumers.

The evolution of the food court is part of a larger growth in Costco's so-called ancillary businesses. According to Millerchip, during the second quarter, the food courts and pharmacies "led the way" in this segment. These are joined by gas stations, the optical area, hearing centers, and the tire service.

Additionally, the company reported that, in 2024 alone, it sold 229 million hot dog and soda combos in its food courts globally. An impressive figure that underscores the importance of this section for the shopping experience.

Costco's growth doesn't stop at infrastructure either. In March, the company reached 900 warehouses worldwide and 620 in the United States alone. One of the most recent was opened in Sharon, Massachusetts.

It was also confirmed that membership continues to be a key driver: at the end of the second quarter, there were 140.6 million active cards.

Although the iconic hot dog and drink combo still costs $1.50, other areas of the menu are undergoing transformation. These adjustments reflect an attempt to modernize the offerings without losing the products that customers already love.

With these decisions, Costco makes it clear that it wants to continue being a complete destination. Not only to stock up but also to eat well, quickly, and economically.