Many large retailers offer food courts for shoppers wanting a convenient bite to eat. Costco offers great deals to its members, but can the same thing be said of its in-store food?
Below is a comparison between the Costco food court and two of their biggest competitors — Target and Sam’s Club. Included is a list of products and prices from the food courts of the three retailers in Rochester, MN as well as sample meal prices and analysis on food offerings. Product selection and prices may vary by location.
Costco Food Court
| Food | Price |
| Chicken Bake | $2.99 |
| Hot Turkey and Provolone Sandwich | $3.99 |
| Pizza Slice (cheese, pepperoni, or combo) | $1.99 |
| 18” Pizza (cheese, pepperoni, or combo) | $9.95 |
| Hot Dog and 20oz. Soda | $1.50 |
| Bratwurst and 20oz. Soda | $1.50 |
| Al Pastor Salad | $4.99 |
| Chicken Caesar Salad | $3.99 |
| 20oz. Soda | $0.59 |
| Fruit Smoothie | $2.99 |
| Cold Brew Mocha Freeze | $2.99 |
| Acai Bowl | $5.99 |
| Twisted Churro | $1.00 |
| Nonfat Vanilla Yogurt | $1.35 |
| Nonfat Vanilla Yogurt and Acai Swirl | $2.99 |
Sample Meals:
- Hot dog and soda: $1.50
- Pizza slice and soda: $2.59
- Hot turkey and provolone sandwich and soda: $4.59
- Chicken Caesar salad and fruit smoothie: $6.98
Initial Impressions:
The Costco food court offers standard fast food items like pizza and hot dogs at a value. A salad option is available for health-conscious customers, although at a significantly higher price than other example meals.
The hot turkey and provolone sandwich and the chicken bake stand out as items not available elsewhere and may appeal to shoppers looking for something different.
Sam’s Club
| Food | Price |
| Pizza Slice and Drink | $2.49 |
| Hot Dog And Drink | $1.50 |
| Bacon Cheeseburger | $2.99 |
| Cheesy Breadsticks | $2.99 |
| Yogurt Parfait | $2.99 |
| Chicken Caesar Salad | $3.99 |
| Churro | $0.99 |
| Frozen Yogurt | $0.99 |
| Fountain Drinks or ICEE | $0.89 |
| 16” Pizza | $8.99 |
Sample Meals:
- Hot dog and drink: $1.50
- Pizza slice and drink: $2.49
- Bacon Cheeseburger and drink: $3.88
- Chicken Caesar Salad and drink: $4.88
Initial Impressions:
With the exception of the chicken Caesar salad, the Sam’s Club food court offers mostly basic fast food items. While prices are low, nothing on the menu differentiates itself from other retail food courts or fast food restaurants.
Target
| Food | Price |
| Hot Dog | $2.60 |
| Chicken Tenders | $2.99 |
| Grilled Cheese | $1.99 |
| French Fries | $1.99 |
| Add Soda | $1.00 |
| Pretzel and Cheese | $2.69 |
| Caramel Popcorn (S/L) | $1.79 / $2.99 |
| Popcorn (S/L) | $1.39 / $1.99 |
| Soda (S/M/L) | $1.19 / $1.49 / $1.79 |
| Minute Maid Strawberry Smoothie or Frozen Lemonade | $2.99 |
| ICEE (S/M/L) | $1.39 / $1.79 / $2.09 |
| Pizza Hut Express Offerings (Not available at all locations) | |
| Personal Pan Pizza (Cheese or Pepperoni) | $4.29 |
| Chicken Alfredo | $4.79 |
| Meaty Marinara | $4.79 |
| Add Three Breadsticks and Drink to Pizza or Pasta | $2.49 |
| 6 Baked Wings | $4.99 |
| Three Breadsticks | $2.29 |
Sample Meals:
- Hot dog and soda: $3.60
- Grilled cheese, fries, and soda: $4.98
- Chicken tenders, fries, and soda: $5.98
- Pizza Hut Personal Pan Pizza, breadsticks and drink: $6.78
Initial Impressions:
The Target food court offers nothing that can’t be found at any fast food drive through at the same or lower price.
If you like Pizza Hut, the fact that some Target locations include Pizza Hut Express in their foot court may be a great option for you to get your pizza fix without having to find an actual Pizza Hut restaurant.
Costco Food Court Final Thoughts
All three food courts are best described as a convenient food option for busy shoppers, but the Costco food court does the best job of offering standard fast food items at a value as well as unique items to appeal to a larger range of customers.
Read More
Check out these other posts discussing how to save money at Costco:
- What You Need To Know About Costco Cash Back Rewards
- How Costco Liquor Prices Compare to Sam’s Club
- Are There Special Costco Executive Membership Hours Like Sam’s Club Has?
- Save Time And Money With Costco Prepared Meals
- 6 Ways To Create Your Own Free Costco Membership Coupon
- Is Costco Beer Cheaper?
- What You Need To Know About Costco Cash Back Rewards
