Costco is implementing a significant policy change in 2026 that will affect anyone who’s enjoyed a $1.50 hot dog and soda combo without a membership card. According to discussions on Hurrdat ONE’s the Membership Exclusive podcast, the warehouse retailer plans to make membership mandatory for food court access, ending the long-standing practice of allowing non-members to purchase food.
Quick Links to Learn More:
- What’s Changing at Costco Food Courts
- Why Costco is Making the Change
- What This Means for Shoppers
- When Will the Change Take Effect
What’s Changing at Costco Food Courts
The new policy means only paying Costco members will be able to order from the food court, whether located inside the warehouse or as an exterior walk-up location. This shift marks a departure from the retailer’s previous approach, which allowed anyone to grab a quick, affordable meal regardless of membership status.
This change could impact communities across the country in unexpected ways. “There are people who live in higher cost of living areas in the country […] a lot of those folks use Costco as a place to get a cheap meal,” noted podcast co-host Josh Baxter during the Membership Exclusive’s year-end podcast episode.
Why Costco Is Making the Change
The decision to restrict food court access aligns with Costco’s broader strategy of enhancing membership value. The iconic $1.50 hot dog and soda combo, a price that hasn’t changed since 1985, represents one of the retailer’s most beloved member benefits. By making it exclusive to cardholders, Costco reinforces the value proposition of its Gold Star and Executive memberships.
The timing coincides with other 2026 changes at Costco, including expanded pizza-to-go options and pilot programs for scan-and-go checkout technology at select locations. The company is also planning aggressive expansion, with nearly 40 new stores slated to open in 2026 compared to 27 in 2025.
What This Means for Shoppers
For current Costco members, the change simply adds another perk to their existing benefits. The food court has always been positioned as a member amenity, and this policy formalizes that positioning. Members will continue to enjoy affordable meal options, including the famous hot dog combo, pizza slices, chicken bakes and other food court staples.
Non-members who previously relied on Costco’s food court for quick, budget-friendly meals will need to either purchase a membership or seek alternatives. A basic Gold Star membership costs $65 annually, while an Executive membership runs $130 and includes 2% back on purchases.
When Will the Change Take Effect?
While Costco has confirmed the policy shift for 2026, specific rollout dates and whether the change will be implemented nationwide simultaneously remain unclear. The company has not announced which locations will adopt the new policy first or if any exemptions will apply.
The food court membership requirement follows Costco’s recent crackdown on membership card sharing, demonstrating the company’s commitment to ensuring its benefits reach paying members only.
Want to hear more about what’s changing at Costco in 2026? Listen to the full year-end episode of the Membership Exclusive podcast, where hosts Josh Baxter and Lindsay Piittmann discuss Costco news, community partnerships and their predictions for the year ahead: Listen to the Latest Episode
