No Fries for U.S. Food Court Diners
For customers in the United States, the iconic Costco food court menu, known for its $1.50 hot dog combo and affordable pizza, has been without french fries for several years. This change was primarily triggered by operational shifts and menu streamlining that occurred during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The removal of fries was a disappointing blow to many loyal customers who enjoyed the crispy, battered potatoes that once accompanied their meals. In fact, Reddit forums are filled with nostalgic comments and petitions to bring back the former menu item. While the food court has maintained its core offerings, the absence of fries is a significant difference for American shoppers compared to their international counterparts.
Potential Reasons for the U.S. Menu Change
Several factors likely contributed to the decision to remove fries from U.S. food courts. Operational simplicity is a key driver for Costco's food service. The chain runs a famously lean and efficient operation. Deep-frying requires specialized equipment and can be more complex to manage than baking or holding items in warmers. The removal of a deep-fried item simplified kitchen operations, reduced maintenance, and freed up staff for other tasks. In addition, the focus remains on high-volume, low-cost signature items like the hot dog and pizza. Any item that complicates this model is a candidate for removal. The fact that the equipment needed to cook fries is not standard in all U.S. locations further supports this reasoning.
A Taste of Fries Abroad: The International Menu
If you are traveling internationally, your luck may change. Costco food courts in other countries, particularly Canada, do offer fries. Canadian members can not only get a generous serving of fries, but they can also upgrade them to poutine—a Canadian specialty featuring fries topped with gravy and cheese curds. Some international menus also feature combinations that include fries, such as the chicken strips and fries combo available in Canada and Australia. The existence of these items in international markets highlights the strategic differences in menu planning based on regional preferences and market demands.
Here are some of the food items you will find in a Canadian food court that are absent from the standard U.S. menu:
- Fries (available as a side)
- Poutine (fries with cheese curds and gravy)
- Chicken strips and fries combo
Comparison: U.S. vs. International Food Courts
| Feature | U.S. Costco Food Court | Canadian Costco Food Court |
|---|---|---|
| Fries | Not Available | Available (as a side) |
| Poutine | Not Available | Available |
| Chicken Strips | Not Available | Available (with fries) |
| Signature Hot Dog | $1.50 with soda | C$1.50 with soda |
| Pizza | Cheese or Pepperoni | Cheese, Pepperoni, and sometimes BBQ Meat |
| Bake | Chicken Bake | International locations may have other bakes (e.g., seafood bake in Taiwan) |
| Menu Strategy | Simplified, efficient, high-volume items | Broader menu with regional specialties |
What's Still on the U.S. Menu?
While the absence of fries is a letdown for some, the U.S. Costco food court still offers a strong lineup of popular, value-packed options. The enduring appeal of the food court lies in its affordable and satisfying classics. The most popular items include:
- The All-Beef Hot Dog Combo: The legendary $1.50 deal with a 20 oz. soda remains untouched.
- Pizza: Sold by the slice or as a massive 18-inch pie, available in pepperoni or cheese.
- Chicken Bake: A warm, savory stuffed bread with chicken, cheese, bacon, and Caesar dressing.
- Rotisserie Chicken Caesar Salad: A healthier option featuring the famous Costco rotisserie chicken.
- Ice Cream and Smoothies: A variety of frozen treats and beverages, including the Strawberry Banana Smoothie and Vanilla Ice Cream.
A Strategy of Simplicity
The reason behind the menu differences is rooted in Costco's fundamental business strategy. By offering a very limited menu in the U.S., they can maintain high efficiency, reduce waste, and keep prices exceptionally low. The food court is not intended to be a full-service restaurant but rather a valuable perk for members that rewards them with inexpensive food. The choice to include fries in some countries and not others comes down to an analysis of regional tastes, equipment availability, and operational costs. While it's a source of disappointment for those who miss the old fries, it is a calculated decision to maintain the overall food court model's success.
Conclusion
To put it plainly, the Costco food court does not have fries for its customers in the United States, a menu change that has been in effect for several years. The crispy side dish is, however, still available in some international markets, including Canada, often served alongside other regionally-specific items. The decision reflects Costco's broader strategy of maintaining a simplified, efficient menu in its U.S. warehouses to keep costs low. For now, American shoppers will have to make do with the classic hot dog, pizza, and chicken bake, or venture north of the border for a taste of the food court fries they once knew. For more details on other items not available in the U.S., you can review this article: Costco gave us food court Coke, but you can't get these 10 items in the US.
