Costco Limiting Food Court Items to Members Only

Fans of Costco’s $2 pizza slice or $1.50 hot dog and soda combo would be wise to ensure their warehouse membership is up-to-date as the company has begun putting signs up at various warehouse stores in the last month alerting patrons that beginning March 16, an active Costco membership card will be required to purchase items from the food court.

Public reactions appear mixed with some lamenting the company’s resolve to now enforce its long-existing policy that one must be a member to purchase items from the food court, and others are optimistic this will lead to shorter lines and wait times.

The company hasn’t made much more of a public comment about the new signage, but media reports speculate this may be a way to drive up membership numbers. Costco already boasts a strong customer loyalty with its membership renewal rate at 90 percent in the US and Canada last year.

A basic yearly Costco membership is $60.