Costco's Latest Membership Crackdown: Say Goodbye to Your Hotdog Privileges

Costco is about to get stricter on its membership rules in just a few weeks, affecting a popular buy at the store.

The big store, known for special deals for its members, is stepping up efforts to prevent non-members from enjoying these benefits.

Costco Limits Food Court to Members

Costco's team has shared with Nexstar that only those with a Costco card can soon use its food courts.

This rule means you won't be able to enjoy the famous $1.50 hotdog if you're not a member. This hotdog has been a favorite since 1984, always at the same affordable price.

But this upcoming change, happening in just a few weeks, isn't something new.

The food courts were meant for members from the start. However, some places haven't been strict about this rule, especially those with easy access from the outside.

Costco shoppers, members, and those without memberships first learned about Costco's new strict policy this month. They saw a message on Reddit showing a sign from a Costco in Orlando.

The sign said, "Starting April 8, 2024, you'll need an active Costco membership card to buy food court items. Want to join? Visit our membership counter for more info."

Since then, staff at various Costco stores have confirmed they'll enforce this rule more firmly. Several mentioned new signs at food courts. One staff member noted that all 18 Costco stores with outdoor food courts now ask customers to show their members before ordering.

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Costco's Food Court Policy Sparks Member Reactions

It remains uncertain whether non-members with Costco Shop Cards can make purchases at the food courts. Amid this ambiguity, Costco members have voiced their opinions on the company's decision to enforce stricter access to its food courts.

Following the policy announcement seen on Reddit, members have been outspoken about their support for the change. One member expressed frustration over the overcrowded food courts, "It's great news. The food court is so crowded, it's hard to find a place to sit because every table is full."

Another member highlighted the purpose of the food courts, stating, "This is a good move. The food courts are meant to be members' perks, not profit centers. Allowing non-members to use them doesn't help keep our prices low."

Reflecting on the broader implications, a third member noted, "The new CEO's influence is already noticeable." These comments underscore a broader conversation within the Costco community about membership benefits and operational policies and how these changes reflect the company's evolving leadership and strategic direction.

Costco started the new year with a leadership change, welcoming Ron Vachris as its new CEO on January 1. He takes over from Craig Jelinek, who led the company for 11 years and mentored Vachris.

Jelinek isn't leaving the company yet; he'll continue to give advice and help Vachris until April. After that, Jelinek will keep contributing to Costco's direction by remaining on the Board of Directors.

Costco is putting up new signs in its food courts to ensure that only its paying members can use services meant for them. In June 2023, the store announced plans to become stricter about its membership rules.

These rules say that only Costco members can buy things at the checkout. They also make it clear that it's not okay for people to use a Costco card they've borrowed from a friend or family member to make purchases.

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