Fans Have Mixed Reactions to Costco’s New Food Court Policy

Costco recently introduced a major change to its food court policy which has non-members up in arms.

Last week, the warehouse store began making membership a requirement if you hope to patronize one of its 18 outdoor food courts across the country. Food courts located inside of Costco stores have always required a membership to make purchases.

Still, the new movie came as heartbreaking news for the many fans of Costco’s dirt-cheap hot dogs and pizza who, alas, are still not members. Before the policy shift, Costco allowed anyone to patronize its outdoor cafes, regardless of membership status.

The news shook those who have gotten used to grabbing Costco’s beloved $1.50 hot dog and soda combo at their leisure. Many took to social media to voice their dissatisfaction.

“I really didn’t want to pay for my own Costco membership,” wrote @TinkerRey, “but if I’m ever denied access to the food court I will cry so here we are.”

But some felt, between Costco's various benefits, the membership would end up saving someone money.

Meanwhile, a fair amount seemed excited that the new rule would cut down on excessive food court lines. "What I see is the food court is congested at all Costco locations," @nathanpdx lamented. This is another reason to close the loophole that let anyone access it."

Food court access is just one in a series of crackdowns Costco is instituting to preserve the experience for its members. In a possible sign of things to come, a store in Washington has begun scanning member IDs.

This new process displays a picture of the member on the scanner, which the employee must compare to the person in front of them. The previous process involved waving one’s card in the general direction of an employee, who often wouldn’t examine the photo. It could be a huge blow for families who’ve previously shared memberships without difficulty.

But there was one thing that gripped social media even more than revised policies: Costco's brand-new chocolate chip cookie, now offered at its food courts.