The Costco Food Court Knockoff You’ve Gotta See to Believe
Food Spot fans say their new food court looks shockingly similar to Costco's (above.)
In early summer, Costco made headlines for its decision to crack down on card membership. In addition to mourning the loss of the ability to shop for bulk items, card sharers without one of their own realized they'd no longer be able to enjoy wraps, pizzas and other Costco food-court goodies.
An unexpected alternative had already quietly emerged in a Los Angeles suburb shopping center: An al fresco food stand outside the behemoth Skechers warehouse in Gardena, Calif. The stand, called "Skechers Food Spot," was actually created by Skechers — as in the famous shoe brand. It launched on May 3 and serves quick, Costco-style favorites like hot dogs, soft serve ice cream, churros — the works, really.
Costco actually sells Skechers but has nothing to do with this dupe. In other words, it's not a partnership or "collab," as they say on the 'Gram and TikTok. However, Food Spot sure is a dead ringer for Costco's food court. Just take a peek at the menu signs with prices in this Reddit thread. They even look like the ones you see at Costco, right?
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Jokes about how the current Costco food court pizza tastes like rubber aside (please, bring back the beloved combo), this whole thing just seems weird, no? One Redditor sure thinks so.
"Being a copycat of Costco isn't even the weirdest part — it's that a Skechers runs it," the person said.
Related: The 9 Discontinued Costco Food Court Items Shoppers Miss the Most
However, according to Skechers CEO Michael Greenberg, the idea makes total sense and has been in the works for years. According to Eater, the Gardena outlet is one of Skechers' most popular stores and had enough room for a food window.
“Years ago, we thought, wouldn’t it be great to have a food concession?” Greenberg said in an interview with Eater. “I thought we could make shopping for shoes like a family outing.”
The city of Gardena was cool with it, giving Skechers the approval to create the window, and the team at Skechers developed a Costco-esque menu. Now, it's here and apparently thriving. Here's what to expect.
Related: Here's the *Only* Way to Sample Food at Costco Without Being Annoying
What You'll Find at the Food Spot in California That Looks Suspiciously Like Costco's Food Court
Unlike Costco, Food Spot sells name-brand foods like Nathan's all-beef hot dogs ($2.50) and Ghirardelli chocolate. Soft drinks are Coca-Cola brand (Costco serves Pepsi). Soft-serve ice cream is $2.50 and can come with Ghirardelli chocolate and caramel or a berry compote on top. Speaking of Ghirardelli, the churros are fresh-made using it and will run you $3, the same price as a slice of pepperoni pizza.
Other savory hits include a Crispy Chicken Sandwich with dill pickles ($6) and a Nashville Spiced Chicken Sandwich ($6.50) made with a secret sauce ($6.50). For lighter fare, opt for the California Caesar Salad with romaine and parmesan ($6),
We know what you may be thinking — It may sound pricy. However, Gardena is an LA suburb. Life is.more expensive in those parts. It's certainly less than lunch at The Ivy.
Matthew Kang of Eater went to Food Spot in Eater and noted that every seat in the small al fresco dining area was taken, and about two dozen people were waiting for food or in line to order. So, weird as it sounds, it appears to be working. Greenberg told Kang it's been a success, though he wouldn't dish on numbers.
"They come to visit the Food Spot, and they have to visit the shoe store," Greenberg said. "When they come to visit the store, they have to eat. All in all, it’s a beautiful concept. We’re very pleased."
If you're in the LA area and in need of new shoes or a juicy double cheeseburger, The Food Spot is outside of the Skechers outlet at 19000 South Vermont Ave., in Gardena, Calif, right by the intersections of the 110 and 405 freeways. It's open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
