Some Costco members are lashing out at the big box warehouse for making a major change that will completely transform their shopping experience.
While some netizens suggest the new arrangements are “horrendous” “monstrosities,” others argue that it will get people out of the already overcrowded store.
Since 1985 when it was first introduced to the food courts of Costco, people have enjoyed noshing on the iconic $1.50 hot dog and soda combo, a cost that hasn’t changed in 40 years.
The cheap wiener, enjoyed from the comfort of a rock-hard cafeteria seat, is a Costco member’s greatest reward for tolerating massive crowds and the long checkout line – the last thing that stands between you and the food court.
Don’t worry, Costco is not changing the price of the humble hot dog. But the store is changing how you’ll enjoy your meal.
Costco is reportedly experimenting with new food court seating arrangements in certain warehouse locations, sparking widespread debate among international shoppers.
A recent post on the Costco subreddit highlighted a significant change at a South Korean warehouse, where traditional tables were replaced with tall, standing-only “monstrosities.”
“So with this horrendous setup no children (or persons under 4 feet tall) are able to use the tables. I had to prop one leg up on the crossbar and balance my toddler on my lap so she could eat her ice cream, not an easy task. Some families took to sitting on the floor along the back wall but were promptly shoo-ed away by a manager,” the Redditor explains.
This drastic shift might be an attempt to address location-specific challenges.
One Redditor explains that, in Japan, some Costco locations are “full of groups of non-working women” who “treat Costco like a cultural experience that should take all day.” The user adds the gaggle of gals “spend hours each week drinking the refillable tea and soda while their husbands are at work.”
And a U.S.-based user shares that she “saw someone doing a 5th birthday party there with pizza and acai drinks!”
‘Not a family gathering’
Online users confirmed the changes are happening to Costco stores across North America and several Redditors support the new arrangements, citing past frustrations with overcrowded food courts. They argue that removing seats discourages extended stays, making the space more accessible for other customers who need a place to eat briefly.
“It’s not a 3-star Michelin restaurant. It takes less than 3 minutes to eat a hotdog and watch your kids spill a soda (sic),” writes one user.
“People flop down and spread out way too much at the food court, it’s such a s*** show. [The food court] is for grabbing a bite on your way out, not a family gathering,” offers a second. Agreeing with that comment, a third shares, “Why is this a problem? Costco isn’t a restaurant.”
Meanwhile, a user from California explains that enjoying a hot dog in the food court is a tradition that started with her father 40 years ago. “I wouldn’t mind except they are just too tall for kids to eat at them. I’ve been doing a regular Costco trip with my daughter and eating at the end (or beginning), is part of that tradition and one my dad started with me almost 40 years ago. I spoke to a few managers over the year and just recently have they added back more sitting tables…it sure adds a lot of frustration when seating is super limited and there’s a bunch of empty standing tables because nobody wants to use those.”
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