Was Costco's Most Expensive Sandwich Worth The High Price Tag?

Costco recently introduced its most expensive sandwich, sparking a debate about whether it justifies its high price tag. The sandwich, available in select locations, features premium ingredients such as artisan bread, high-quality meats, and gourmet cheeses. These elements are combined with a variety of fresh vegetables and a special house-made sauce, aiming to create a culinary experience that stands out from typical deli offerings. The portion size is generous, making it a potential meal for two, which some customers find adds value to its cost. However, initial reviews have been mixed. While some praise the sandwich for its rich flavors and quality ingredients, others argue that it doesn't quite live up to the hype, pointing out that the price may still be hard to justify compared to other offerings in the store's food court, known for its affordability. Ultimately, whether the sandwich is worth its high price is subjective, depending on individual preferences for taste and value. Those who appreciate gourmet ingredients might find it a worthwhile splurge, while budget-conscious shoppers might prefer sticking to Costco's more traditional, lower-priced options.
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Costco's roast beef sandwich had mixed reviews

Although the roast beef sandwich has been removed from the menu, a post by a self-identified employee on the Costco subreddit suggests it might be a rotating menu item, likely intended to keep customers engaged with fresh options. The same Reddit user mentioned that sales of the sandwich were "just fine" at their location, with "30 to 40 sold on a busy day." So, while it has vanished from the menu, there is a chance it could return. However, feedback from shoppers on social media doesn't necessarily indicate that this would be a wise decision.

Most Reddit users in the mentioned thread don't seem to miss it, expressing a preference for other discontinued sandwiches like the BBQ beef brisket or the hot turkey and provolone. One astute commenter calculated that for the price of a single roast beef sandwich, you could buy four hot dogs, four drinks, and two slices of pizza—enough to feed a family. Alternatively, you could simply purchase an entire pizza. Another critic remarked, "Too much bread and not enough roast beef. Arby's offers better roast beef sandwiches at a lower price."

Indeed, the sandwich appeared to be an anomaly on a menu filled with items priced at $5 or less, especially since it didn't come with a drink or sides. Perhaps, as one Redditor speculated, "it was an experiment to see if people would pay that much and gather data on sales." In other words, a type of market research for the food court.

Customers say forget the cold turkey Swiss, bring back the hot turkey provolone

The turkey and Swiss cheese sandwich that has taken the place of the roast beef option isn't quite what Costco shoppers were hoping for. Priced at $6.99, this new sandwich is smaller than the roast beef but still substantial. It boasts several layers of sliced turkey, Swiss cheese, and lettuce on a ciabatta roll, generously topped with sun-dried tomato spread and a mustard-mayo blend. Unfortunately for many customers, it is served cold rather than toasted.

In a Reddit discussion comparing the turkey Swiss to the now-discontinued hot turkey and provolone — which was removed during the pandemic — the toasted version is clearly favored. Most users agree that a hot sandwich is preferable to a cold one, with one commenter expressing, "I just tried the new one. It’s disappointing. What a letdown. Cold, hard [sandwich]. The ciabatta isn’t soft at all, and they’re using fresh stock too. It really needs to be toasted at the very least."

In addition to the sandwich's temperature, customers are also unhappy with the price, which is $3 more than the hot turkey and provolone, and the calorie count, which surprisingly exceeds that of the roast beef sandwich. If you're dissatisfied with the new offering or simply want to switch things up, consider exploring some Costco food court secrets on your next visit.

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