master-cooks | Julia Child's Favorite Costco Food Court Order

Julia Child, the renowned chef and television personality, was known for her love of good food and her approachable, joyful attitude towards cooking. Despite her culinary expertise, she was no stranger to seeking out simple pleasures, often finding delight in unexpected places. One such place was the Costco food court, where she was reportedly a fan of the classic hot dog. This choice might seem surprising given her sophisticated palate, but it reflects her appreciation for well-made, straightforward dishes that bring joy and comfort. The Costco hot dog, with its generous size and satisfying taste, aligns with Julia's belief that food should be pleasurable and accessible to everyone. Her fondness for this humble meal underscores her philosophy that good eating is not reserved for high-end cuisine but can be found in everyday experiences. It's a testament to her belief that culinary enjoyment comes in many forms, from a meticulously prepared French dish to a simple, hearty hot dog. Julia Child's embrace of this affordable and tasty treat highlights her down-to-earth personality and her ability to find delight in all kinds of food experiences.

Costco's $1.50 hot dogs are sticking around

As inflation continues to climb, there has been understandable concern regarding a potential price increase for the hot dog combo. If it were to keep pace with inflation, it would now cost approximately $4.50, a figure that would likely shock many Costco shoppers who are accustomed to paying just $1.50 for a meal—essentially the price of a pack of gum. Fortunately, Costco's leadership has firmly stated that the $1.50 deal will remain unchanged.

According to CNN, Gary Millerchip, who became Costco's CFO in March 2024, reassured investors during an earnings call, saying, "To address some recent media speculation, I want to confirm that the $1.50 hot dog price is secure." This "media speculation" may stem from a March 2024 Bloomberg interview with former long-time CFO Richard Galanti. When asked about the future of the $1.50 hot dog and soda combo after his departure, Galanti responded, "It's probably safe for a while," which left some room for doubt about whether the price would rise under the next CFO.

The hot dog represents more than just a meal; it embodies the core values of Costco: reliability, affordability, and generous portion sizes. It also functions as a loss leader—a product that doesn't generate profit but serves as a strategic marketing tool to draw in and retain customers. Clearly, this strategy is effective, as it even attracts culinary icons like Julia Child.

Julia Child's Favorite Costco Food Court Order

Costco's $1.50 hot dogs are sticking around

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