The New Costco Rule That’s Got Non-Members Freaking Out

If you’ve ever swung by the nearest Costco with no intention of buying anything other than a world-famous $1.50 hot dog, $10 pizza, or $1 churro from the food court, listen up because big (Costco-sized) changes are afoot.

According to trusted Instagram source, @CostcoDeals, in the next few weeks, the warehouse club is rolling out a new rule that will require customers to have an active Costco membership in order to purchase food court items — even if the food court is located outside the store. The rumor was confirmed by Costco employees and customers in the comments on the post, noting that the roll-out date will vary per Costco location.

This new rule means that, if you want that hot dog, pizza, or churro, you’re going to have to shell out the $60 membership fee in order to be a card-carrying member. And, understandably, non-members are not so happy about it.

“$61.50 for a hotdog and a soda? What a bargain!”

“I’m in university and the Costco food court is a hot spot for cheap, yummy meals for broke college students! Hopefully they don’t take that away from us.”

As you might guess, however, current Costco members are mostly in support of the new rule (except those who argue that pulling out your membership card will hold up the pizza line):

“Love this, finally lines are not so long. I support it.” 

“I hope this happens to ours. I hate the lines being so packed at the food court… our food court is outside so anyone can just buy food there and it’s always an hour wait for pizza.”

So now, the answer to the age-old question “should I get a Costco membership?” is absolutely and unequivocally yes — for food court privileges alone.

How do you feel about this new rule?