Discontinued Costco Food Court Items You Wish Would Make A Comeback

Combo pizza

Among all the food court offerings that have vanished from Costco's menu over the years, one stands out as having made the most significant impact: the beloved combo pizza. This fan-favorite pie was heaped with pepperoni, sausage, peppers, mushrooms, and onions, all for just $9.95 for a whole pie. With its unbeatable price and delicious flavor, there was so much to appreciate about this food court staple that complaints were few and far between.

So, if it was so popular, what led to the combo pizza's demise? One theory suggests that maintaining its low price was a key factor in its eventual removal. Keeping the combo pizza at the same price as Costco's simpler options, like cheese or pepperoni pizzas, proved challenging due to the time, effort, and ingredients required to make it. Additionally, the pandemic took a toll on many offerings, leading to the combo pizza's removal during that time.

Fans were not pleased with this decision. Similar to other items on this list, a petition was launched to bring back the combo pizza, garnering nearly 19,000 signatures since its inception in August 2020. Four years later, Costco now offers a take-and-bake version of the pizza in the freezer section. While it may not replicate the experience of enjoying it fresh from the food court, this frozen option is one of the many items worth stocking up on at Costco for those nostalgic for the flavors of the past.

Churro

Costco delivered a significant disappointment to its customers in the past by removing the beloved churro from its food court menu not once, but twice. This doughy dessert, coated in cinnamon and sugar, was previously available for just a dollar, making it the ideal treat to enjoy after a vigorous grocery trip through the expansive warehouse. Unfortunately, these budget-friendly, straight-ridged delights vanished during the pandemic.

They made a comeback in 2021, but not without some alterations. As the saying goes, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." While it wasn't entirely negative that the classic churro returned in a new twisted shape, customers were taken aback by the 49-cent price hike and what some users on Reddit described as a "dry and sandy" texture. According to the same discussion thread, many longed for the original churro and expressed disappointment with what one person referred to as the "abomination" that replaced it.

These largely unsuccessful changes led Costco to remove the churro from its menu entirely at the beginning of 2024. While you can still purchase the discontinued treat, there's a catch: they must be bought frozen and in bulk from the store. This time, there’s no "upgraded" version to fill the void left by the freshly made churro in the food court, as Costco has replaced it with a more expensive, albeit substantial, double chocolate chunk cookie.

Hand-dipped ice cream bar

Although it has been over a decade since its removal, the absence of the hand-dipped ice cream bar is still keenly felt. In 2013, Costco members bid farewell to the beloved $1.50 vanilla ice cream bar, which was generously coated in rich chocolate and could be optionally rolled in roasted almonds. This customizable option was ahead of its time, and shoppers have been longing for it ever since.

According to Victor Valley News Group, the decision to discontinue the item was likely influenced by the rising costs of almonds and dairy at that time. Costco has not confirmed this reasoning, despite the public's outcry over the loss of the treat. The only consolation the retail giant offers to its customers can be found in the freezer section, where those craving something sweet can purchase an 18-count pack of Kirkland Signature Ice Cream Bars, which feature a chocolate-coated vanilla center with roasted almonds.

This frozen alternative is the closest fans can get to the original ice cream bar that was once freshly made in the food court. However, those hoping the Kirkland Signature version will taste identical to the original should be cautioned. "It just isn't the same as having it made in front of you," remarked a Reddit user. "When they dip it by hand, there's so much more chocolate and almonds, and it turns into a delicious mess."

Strawberry ice cream cup

History has a way of repeating itself, especially at Costco's food court. The company seems unable to resist tampering with its ice cream offerings. Just as many were left heartbroken when the hand-dipped ice cream was discontinued, the recent removal of strawberry ice cream cups has stirred up similar feelings.

The early months of 2024 brought joy to some and disappointment to others when this beloved treat was taken off the menu less than a year after its debut in 2023. Reactions varied based on individual preferences for chocolate or strawberry ice cream, as the fruity option was eliminated to make room for chocolate. You might be curious why both flavors couldn't coexist. While Costco hasn't provided an official explanation, it's likely because some soft-serve machines can only accommodate two flavors at a time. The classic debate typically revolves around vanilla and chocolate, not vanilla and strawberry. Thus, it makes sense for the retailer to opt for the switch, even if not everyone agrees with the decision.

Polish hot dog

When people think of Costco's food court, the first thing that probably comes to mind is the legendary hot dog and soda combo that has been a staple since the '80s. It's hard not to associate the two, especially when you can get a generously sized hot dog and a soft drink for just under two dollars. However, fans have become so captivated by this fantastic deal that they seem to overlook another hot dog option that Costco once offered but has since discontinued.

In addition to the classic all-beef hot dog, there was also the Polish hot dog. Technically a kielbasa, this variety is thicker and boasts a smokier, garlic-forward flavor compared to the standard frank. In 2018, Costco announced the removal of the Polish hot dog, explaining on its website that the decision was made to "simplify [its] menu and make room for healthier options." These healthier items included the açaí bowl and al pastor salad, both of which were also discontinued later on. For those still longing for the more flavorful frank, your best option is to head to the freezer aisle and grab a pack of Kirkland Signature Beef Polish Sausages to enjoy at home.

Cinnamon sugar pretzel

Sweet, cinnamon-dusted treats haven't had much success at Costco. Shoppers may still be mourning the departure of the big box retailer's churro, but long before that, there was another beloved snack: the cinnamon sugar pretzels. Costco never disclosed why these were removed from the food court. However, given that the two snacks were quite similar and appealed to both cinnamon enthusiasts and those with a sweet tooth, it seems unlikely that the decision was purely based on health concerns. It's more plausible that Costco aimed to make space for a product that sold better or required less effort to serve to customers.

Regardless of the specific reason, the churro certainly gained its own following. Some welcomed its arrival, while others reminisced about the original cinnamon treat that preceded it. Unfortunately for those fans, satisfying cravings for sweet and salty soft pretzels may now require a trip to a local fair or Auntie Anne's.

Hot turkey and provolone sandwich

Costco's current food court features the $6.99 turkey Swiss sandwich. However, many customers feel that this soggy, cold option pales in comparison to the previous turkey sandwich that was available. The hot turkey and provolone sandwich was unfortunately removed from the menu during the pandemic. Previously priced at $3.99, this pre-COVID favorite included oven-browned turkey, provolone cheese, and garlic-basil mayo, all served on a toasted roll.

Fans of the retailer who follow the food court menu started a Reddit thread titled "It's time for the Turkey Sandwich Showdown!" where users discussed the two turkey sandwiches, with the consensus strongly favoring the former version. One commenter humorously remarked, "It seems like the Old Turkey sandwich had a nearly perfect run, and the new one is about to be defeated... FINISH HIM." This comment received 624 upvotes in support.

Barbecue beef brisket sandwich

Imagine wrapping up a long, exhausting grocery trip, pushing heavy carts, and finally treating yourself to a meal as satisfying and smoky as Costco's barbecue beef brisket sandwich. Unfortunately, for some, simply envisioning the taste of this delicious dish was all they could do, as it was only available at select locations. Now that the barbecue beef brisket sandwich has been officially retired, years after its debut in November 2013, even those fortunate enough to have enjoyed it at their local store can only dream of its potential comeback.

Priced at $4.99, the sandwich was generously filled with shredded brisket, crunchy coleslaw, and the highlight: barbecue sauce. This flavorful, handheld delight was a favorite among those who had the chance to savor it. However, a former food court employee revealed on Reddit that it was also quite a hassle to prepare and had a high fat content. One sandwich boasted 33 grams of fat and an astonishing 1,630 milligrams of sodium, according to Eat This Much. It wouldn’t be surprising if the decision to remove these sandwiches from Costco's food court was influenced by these concerning nutritional facts along with the complicated preparation process.

Açaí bowl

Despite Costco's strong efforts to offer healthier choices, some items still found themselves removed from the menu. A prime example is the açaí bowl, which was introduced in 2018 as a health-conscious, vegan option, replacing the Polish hot dog. Priced at around five dollars, customers received a 330-calorie bowl of açaí topped with fresh strawberries, blueberries, banana chips, and Kirkland Signature Granola.

However, not everyone was a fan of this bowl. Some users took to Reddit to express their dissatisfaction even after it was discontinued in 2020. One commenter described it as "extremely tart and overwhelming," while another declared, "It was the worst açaí bowl I've ever had. Good riddance." The bowl's estimated 41 grams of sugar—regardless of being natural—was a significant concern, especially given its lack of protein.

On the flip side, those who wished the bowl would remain were quick to voice their opinions as well. The refreshing ingredients, sweet taste, and satisfying crunch led some to call it their "favorite." Ultimately, even with its high sugar content, it still offered a more nutritious option compared to many of Costco's other menu items.

Cheeseburger

In addition to a few variations of pizza and the iconic hot dog and soda combo, Costco previously offered a cheeseburger in its food court as part of its selection of classic American fare. However, just like the combo pizza and Polish hot dog, these five-dollar organic beef burgers were quickly discontinued. Weighing in at a hefty one-third of a pound, the burgers featured cheddar cheese, tomato, lettuce, and a sauce reminiscent of Thousand Island dressing.

Initially, they were available at only 10 Costco locations, including some in Seattle and Southern California. The burgers had a short-lived presence, introduced in 2017 and removed by 2020. During their brief run, they were visually impressive enough to draw comparisons to Shake Shack, one of the country's most beloved fast-food chains, celebrated for its delectable cheese sauce and juicy patties.

So, why would such a well-received item be removed from the menu? Costco never provided an explanation. One shopper speculated that the decision was likely due to the high costs associated with acquiring the necessary equipment and ordering the patties. Additionally, managing a grill could complicate multitasking for employees in the busy environment of Costco.