Costco, a favorite for Midwestern shoppers, has long been synonymous with bulk buying and convenience. Whether it’s grabbing a 5-gallon jug of olive oil or stockpiling frozen pizzas, Costco’s warehouse format offers a satisfying one-stop shopping experience. But beyond the aisles, one aspect of Costco has become a cultural icon – its food court.
Known for its unbeatable deals, Costco’s food court has a reputation for serving some of the best low-cost meals in town. For years, the $1.50 hotdog and fountain Pepsi drink combo has been a staple, alongside giant pizza slices that can’t be beat. It’s a treat for those looking for a quick meal while tackling their shopping list, and it’s become as much of a Costco tradition as the bulk-size packages of cereal.
However, things are about to change. Costco has announced a significant shift in their food court offerings. As part of a move to switch up their beverage selection, Costco will be cutting ties with Pepsi and bringing back Coca-Cola as their beverage of choice.
A Walk Down Memory Lane
The Costco food court originally served Coca-Cola products when the first store opened its doors in 1985. That changed in 2013, when the company switched to Pepsi. But after a decade of serving Pepsi, Costco is making a bold return to Coca-Cola products. The change isn’t just a regional switch—it’s expected to affect all Costco locations, including the 17 in Michigan and the 9 in Indiana. The exact timeline for this transition is still unclear, but it’s expected to happen later this year.
Pepsi Still Available in Stores
While customers won’t find Pepsi on the fountain drink taps in the food court anymore, those who still prefer the Pepsi brand can find it on Costco’s regular store shelves. The company clarified that canned Pepsi products will still be available for sale in stores, so there’s no need to panic for loyal Pepsi drinkers. The switch only affects the iconic $1.50 hotdog and drink combo, which will now feature Coca-Cola products. For many, this iconic deal, along with the giant pizza slices, remains unchanged.
A New Era for Costco
Costco’s return to Coca-Cola has sparked curiosity and, naturally, some nostalgia. For years, customers have enjoyed their food court experience with the familiar taste of Pepsi products. The decision to revert back to Coca-Cola could be seen as a way for Costco to reconnect with the brand’s history while satisfying customers who might prefer Coca-Cola.
The switch may also reflect the changing landscape of beverage partnerships. While Pepsi has been a long-time partner in Costco’s food courts, Coca-Cola has likely come to the table with new offerings or incentives that Costco couldn’t resist. Either way, fans of the $1.50 hotdog combo are in for a taste change, though for many, the deal is sacred enough to remain a staple in their Costco routine.
What’s Next for Costco?
As the food court shifts back to Coca-Cola, it’s important to keep an eye on Costco’s other offerings. The warehouse giant is known for adjusting its product lineup to match consumer tastes and market trends. This move with the beverages could be a sign of other changes ahead for Costco’s food court or product selection. Whether it’s tweaking menu items, pricing, or exploring new beverage deals, one thing is for sure: Costco knows how to keep its customers coming back for more.
Where Will This Change Impact?
The change to Coca-Cola products will be felt in all Costco locations in Michigan, including those in popular cities like Avon, Fort Wayne, and Indianapolis. Indiana’s nine locations will also make the switch, with stores in cities like Evansville, Merrillville, and Noblesville being affected as well. These regions will experience the change sometime later this year, so it’s time to prepare for the iconic $1.50 hotdog and Coke combo to take over the food courts.
The Tradition Continues
Despite the beverage change, Costco fans can rest easy knowing that the $1.50 hotdog deal isn’t going anywhere. The legendary combo has been a fixture of Costco’s food court for years, and this iconic offering remains unchanged. Whether you’re team Pepsi or team Coke, the real winner here is the unbeatable price that has remained a Costco staple since the very beginning.
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