Who Makes Costco's Food Court Hot Dogs?

Costco makes its own hot dogs, no supplier needed

In the early 1980s, Costco started offering hot dogs from a small cart outside its warehouse, as reported by CNN. This modest beginning has since transformed into a bustling food court. According to Costco's magazine, Costco Connection, the all-beef kosher hot dogs were initially sourced from two national kosher brands, one of which was Hebrew National. This partnership lasted until 2009 when Costco opted to take production in-house. To avoid supply chain challenges and maintain low prices, Costco shifted production to its own meat processing facilities. Today, the well-known Kirkland franks are produced at the original location in Tracy, California, as well as a secondary facility in Morris, Illinois, which was opened to meet growing demand, according to the Wall Street Journal.

While the hot dogs are no longer kosher, they have increased in size. Weighing 4.4 ounces, the Costco food court frank is now more than a quarter pound, offering even more value than before. The quality remains top-notch, with each hot dog made from 100% USDA-inspected beef and free from unhealthy additives like fillers, corn syrup, and artificial colors or flavors.

Costco warehouses still carry packs of Hebrew National hot dogs, but uncooked Kirkland brand beef franks are also available for purchase in-store. This means you can enjoy a Costco hot dog at home whenever you wish. However, a quick visit to the food court for the authentic experience allows you to savor a special, upgraded hot dog.

Secret ways to upgrade the Costco hot dog

After grabbing your Costco hot dog, you might want to swing by the condiments station to add a splash of ketchup, mustard, and relish. Don’t forget the cherished diced onions, which made their comeback in 2023. If this straightforward hot dog doesn’t quite excite your taste buds, there are several ways to elevate its flavor. While there isn’t an official secret menu, customers have come up with a variety of inventive hacks for the Costco food court, including for the hot dog.

One of the most creative ways to enjoy a Costco hot dog is by replacing its bun with a slice of pizza. You can ask for a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and red chili flakes at the counter. Dubbed the "Costco taco" or "pizza dog" by resourceful food lovers, this hack has been widely shared and tested on social media, and those who try it seem to love it.

Although the Costco chili dog is no longer available—since the retailer sadly discontinued its food court chili, along with several other items that didn’t last—there’s always the option to make your own chili dog at home. In fact, many Costco members bring their own gourmet toppings to personalize their franks while they’re still hot and fresh.

Despite the changes coming in 2024, we remain hopeful that Costco's iconic hot dog and soda combo will continue to be incredibly affordable (ideally, forever).