Costco dropped its Polish dog as part of a menu revamp
Any Costco enthusiast is aware that the cafeteria-style dining area has seen its share of transformations over the years. Even the most popular food court items, such as the churro and combo pizza, have not escaped these changes. However, the decision to discontinue the Polish sausage in 2018 prompted a significant overhaul of the menu, replacing heavier options with healthier alternatives.
While the company doesn't frequently address menu changes, the removal of the Polish dog warranted a detailed explanation regarding Costco's vision for its food court. "To simplify our menu and make space for healthier choices, we have opted to offer only the all-beef Hot Dog. Sales indicate that this is the preferred option for the majority of our members," states the wholesaler's website. It appears that in the effort to streamline the menu, a question arose: Why offer two types of hot dogs when one suffices? Unsurprisingly, in a contest of flavors, the classic beef frank emerged as the clear favorite.
Though the decision may have seemed arbitrary to its fans, the removal of the Polish dog was not made in isolation. That year marked a growing trend among Americans to prioritize nutrition, particularly regarding meat consumption. With rising sales of vegetarian-friendly foods and meat alternatives outpacing traditional animal products, Forbes even suggested that businesses consider going vegan in January 2018. Costco's forward-looking approach may have resulted in the introduction of new menu items, albeit at the unfortunate cost of the Polish sausage.
What replaced Costco's Polish dog
In an effort to provide healthier menu options, Costco introduced a few new items around the same time the Polish dog was removed from its food courts. Among these was a nutrient-rich açaí bowl, which took the place of the original berry sundae at a higher price point, along with a new savory option: the al pastor salad.
This salad featured a plant-based soy protein, chopped romaine lettuce, black beans, and banh mi vegetables with dressing. It made its debut on menus in July 2018, becoming one of the few substantial vegetarian-friendly choices available at the food court. Former Costco CEO Craig Jelinek highlighted the salad during a shareholder meeting that month, praising its health benefits and flavor (according to The Seattle Times). However, the al pastor salad failed to gain lasting popularity, possibly due to its blend of Mexican and Asian flavors or its cost, and it was removed from the menu within a few months. The decision likely stemmed from a lack of demand, leaving some members, particularly those following plant-based diets, disappointed.
Throughout the various changes in Costco's food court offerings, it’s evident that not all menu updates are welcomed, especially when beloved items are involved. Yet, as anyone in the restaurant industry understands, it’s impossible to satisfy everyone—particularly when experimenting with new concepts.
Recommended
Julia Child's Favorite Costco Food Court Order
What Happened To Costco's Discontinued Combo Pizza?
The Failed In-House Brands Costco Tried Before Kirkland
Here's What The Time Stamp On Costco's Rotisserie Chicken Means
Next up