Desired Food Court Items

Although I don’t eat at it, every few months I find myself writing a post about the food court. Posts mention new items (Food Court Items Offered in 2025), general information (Secrets of the food court), or changes (No more food court for non-members!). I have also posted some suggestions (Summer Beach Snackbar by Costco); (I also have another in process)). After coming across this list of suggestions (some of which overlap with my suggestions), I decided to write about it.  Some items have actually been or are offered at select locations.

Obviously, the food court is not a restaurant and the more items offered, the less efficient it is. However, it can still be fun to think about potential additions and changes. 

Breakfast

1. Coffee

One suggestion for the Costco food court is hot coffee. Some locations offer cold brew-based mocha freezes but not hot coffee. Coffee is requested to help both members and employees get through the chore of shopping in the morning, or as a boost in the afternoon.

I don’t drink coffee but I have pointed out that the food court probably should offer coffee (Summer Beach Snackbar by Costco). It would be easy and a convenience for people to be able to get a coffee on their way into the store.

2. Breakfast Foods

The article suggests a few hot breakfast options (breakfast burrito; French toast sticks; breakfast bake). An easier suggested alternative is selling items that are already sold in the bakery (muffins; croissants). 

In my post about a beach Snack Bar (Summer Beach Snackbar by Costco), I mentioned the benefits of offering a drink/ pastry combination. I can see how some may want the hot breakfast options but I think the menu should be as simple as possible. That said, French toast sticks could be an easy option and a way to advertise the frozen French toast sticks and syrup (Product Review: Kirkland 100% Pure Maple Syrup); although I would not want to work there and have to clean up after syrup!)

Appetizers/Sides

3. French Fries

One of the desired snack items for the food court is French fries. In addition to being ubiquitous in the fast food world, apparently Costco’s new Kirkland frozen fries are excellent. The article points out that bothCanada and France serve poutine and that select locations in the Northeast used to sell fries, demonstrating that it would be feasible for food courts to contain fry machines. 

I am surprised that fries are not on the menu, given how popular and easy to make they are. I  know that I am rare in not really liking them and that most people would like them as an option. I also know from my summers working in snack bars that they are easy to make.

4. Mozzarella Sticks

Another side proposed for Costco are mozzarella sticks. The article suggests that they would be an easy addition, given that they are already sold frozen in the store. Again, all that would be needed is a deep fryer. 

Mozzarella sticks are popular, easy to make, and a way to showcase another Costco item. However, in trying to limit the number of options, I would think fries would be more popular.

5. Nachos

A different type of side proposed are nachos. The article mentions that the nachos could take the form of a heartier dish (meat; beans) or remain a lighter snack (cheese; salsa; guacamole).

I don’t eat nachos and never would have thought of them as a potential hit at the food court. Again, I think fries are a better bet. However, I could see nachos being popular if Costco actually did open up a beach snack bar. 

Meals

6. Burgers

A suggestion to add to the main dishes served at the food court are burgers. The article points out that Costco did test selling burgers but that they never spread to all locations in the US. In contrast, some food courts in other countries have had success selling burgers. 

Burgers are another item that I am surprised that Costco does not sell. I’m surprised that they did not succeed in the US given how popular they are. However, perhaps the hot dog/soda combo and the pizza are just too tempting.

7. Macaroni and Cheese

A request to add to the fast food type items on the menu is macaroni and cheese. Reasons provided are to appeal to kids (actually everyone…), to offer a non-meat item, and because it is easy to prepare and keep prepared.

In my post (in process) about some other menu types, I mentioned macaroni and cheese as an option for a kids’ menu. I think many kids would love the option. I realize that it is easy to boil water and make pasta. However, it adds a different type of cooking and, although people are certainly not eating at the food court for the highest quality meals, I was surprised to see that macaroni and cheese is listed as an item that stays well. I think of pasta as an item that really shouldn’t sit around. 

8. Taquitos

Taquitos are another suggested item, due to their versatility, ease to prepare, and ability to eat easily while shopping. 

I have never had a taquito and don’t know how popular they would be.

9. Cheesesteaks

For an additional substantial option at the food court, some request cheesesteaks. The article points out that this menu item would be easy to prepare and provide a heartier meal.

Cheesesteaks sound terrible to me. However, I know that they are very much loved, probably largely for their simplicity. Given the lack of success of the roast beef sandwich (Additional Changes at Costco in 2024), I would not expect this item to be a huge success.

10. Meatball Subs

A variation on the cheesesteaks that some would like to see offered at the food court are meatball subs. Again, they are easy to make and eat. 

I don’t eat meatball subs but I would not view them as easy and neat to eat, especially when stuffed. From seeing people eat them, the sauce generally sops through the bread and the meatballs may fall out. 

Non-Meat Meals

11. A meat-free salad option

As an addition to the offerings for lighter meals and ones that are suitable for vegetarians, the article suggests a salad without meat. The article mentions a variety of options, with varying levels of difficulty and substance (e.g., garden salad; chickpea salad; black bean salad; Greek salad). 

I agree that vegetarian salad would be a good addition. In my snack bar post, I suggested a hummus plate and a Greek salad (Summer Beach Snackbar by Costco). Now that Costco is selling pita bread from the bakery (More Costco Spring/Summer 2025 Items), a Greek salad would be an especially good option.

12. A Plant-Based Hot Dog

Another option suggested for a non meat item is a meatless hot dog. The article points out that other locations that sell hot dogs (IKEA; baseball stadiums) now offer non meat dogs. In addition, Costco sells Plant-Based “meat” products, indicating that they have a customer base. 

It would be good for vegetarians to be able to partake of the hot dog/soda deal. However, just based on personal preference, I’d suggest a veggie burger instead. 

Dessert

13. Dairy-free Soft Serve

The article points out the popularity of the soft serve ice cream at the food court. It suggests that, just as many ice cream brands now offer non dairy options, Costco could do the same.

I would not have thought of this idea. I love dairy foods, including ice cream and am probably less aware of the number of people who do not/cannot eat dairy products. My initial thought was that there would not be enough people interested to support this item but I could be incorrect.

Other

14. Seasonal Specials

In addition to the specific items mentioned above, a suggestion was for the food court to offer seasonal food items (e.g., chicken noodle soup) throughout the year. One benefit is that the limited availability might attract people to try items and/or buy them more frequently than they might normally visit the food court.

I like this idea, especially now that I know that the food court keeps a slot open on the menu for testing new items (Let’s Be Experts on the Costco Food Court!). In addition to adding some variety, it would be a way to advertise some of the seasonal items. For example, perhaps seasonal muffins (e.g., pumpkin) or desserts (e.g., pumpkin pie; strawberry cheesecake) could be offered during select times of year.

Finally, along with the suggestions above and that I have made in the past (Summer Beach Snackbar by Costco), Costco could also offer “combo meals”, maybe with a drink, a main item, a side, and a dessert.

What do you think about these suggestions for the food court? Do you like the idea of a larger menu or do you agree with me that, despite the benefits of some additional/different items, simpler is better? What else might you want to add?